Crime · Turlock, CA
Antonio Honorato Silveira, 50, a Turlock resident and Stanislaus County tax preparer, pleaded guilty Monday to wire fraud in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of more than $7 million. The scheme began in 2011, promising annual returns of 13% to 17% through signed promissory notes while Silveira lost money trading stocks and diverted funds for personal expenses. Between 2019 and 2025, nearly 90 investors gave him approximately $11.03 million, with about $3.84 million used as false returns to earlier investors. When the scheme collapsed in 2025, Silveira owed investors roughly $7.19 million, and more than 25 victims lost retirement savings, college funds, or were forced to sell homes. He faces up to 20 years in prison with sentencing scheduled for February 2027.
Local Politics · Modesto, CA
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245 rescinded its endorsement of Dominic Giorgi, a candidate for the Division 3 board seat at the Modesto Irrigation District (MID). The union cited concerns over Giorgi's campaign tactics and requested the return of a $3,500 contribution made in September. Giorgi, who is challenging incumbent chairman Robert Frobose, stated he would discuss the repayment but maintain his focus on reducing administrative spending. This development occurs one week before the election, with the union announcing it supports neither candidate in the race.
Local Politics · Turlock, CA
Turlock Police issued a trespass admonishment to mayoral candidate Kelley Coelho after she allegedly refused to leave a stand-up comedy performance at Westside Ministries on Sunday night. Pastor JoLynn DiGrazia requested the police response, stating that Coelho disrupted the event by campaigning and yelling despite being asked to refrain from electioneering. Officers responded to the scene, explained trespassing laws, and confirmed Coelho left the property without further incident. Coelho claims the request to leave was retaliatory due to her investigation into a past real estate transaction involving DiGrazia.
Crime · Modesto, CA
Deputies were dispatched to the 300 block of Olivero Road off Crows Landing Road in Modesto at about 3:40 a.m. Monday after the victim called 911, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. The victim was stabbed several times during a verbal argument with multiple unknown subjects who fled the scene. The victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. No suspects have been identified. Authorities urge anyone with information to call the Sheriff's Office nonemergency line at 209-552-2468 or Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.
Public Safety · Modesto, CA
Just after 1:30 a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a structure fire on the 500 block of Crows Landing Road in south Modesto, where 10 to 15 vehicles were initially ablaze at a wrecking yard. The call was upgraded to a working commercial fire as flames threatened structures at the adjacent Sunrise Village Mobile Home and RV Park. Crews stretched multiple hose lines and contained the fire to approximately 25 vehicles without damaging any structures. The Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit is working to determine cause and origin.
Community News · Stanislaus County
Gasoline prices in Stanislaus County dropped to an average of $5.85 per gallon, down from $6.02 the previous week. The lowest price reported was $5.28 at a Kwik Serve station in Modesto. Diesel prices also decreased slightly to an average of $8.44 per gallon. Despite these local declines, national averages remain higher than last year's levels.
Community News · Modesto, CA
The National Weather Service forecasts a pattern change to cooler and unsettled weather in the Modesto area starting this weekend. Temperatures will drop into the 40s and 60s through Thursday before rising slightly for Friday. Saturday, October 31, is forecast to bring a high near 62 degrees with a 50% chance of measurable precipitation. Residents planning Halloween activities are advised to monitor conditions as passing showers could impact trick-or-treating.
