I. Multi-Agency Investigation Yields High-Profile Arrests (June 19–20, 2025)
In a concerted cross-jurisdictional operation, Cal Fire, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office executed simultaneous arrests on June 19–20, 2025, targeting an alleged insurance-fraud arson ring. Pursuant to warrant applications establishing probable cause, three individuals—Aaron Pamma (Vice Mayor of Live Oak), Simren Pamma (Live Oak School Board Member), and Gurtej Singh—were each taken into custody on separate warrants in excess of $1 million apiece.
Factual and Procedural Posture
- Property Acquisition & Insurance Procurement: In April 2023, the defendants purchased a farmhouse located on Ord Ferry Road and promptly secured a comprehensive fire-loss insurance policy.
- Alleged Arson and Proceeds: On February 14, 2024, the subject property was consumed by a suspicious fire, triggering an insurance claim that ultimately paid out over $200,000 in alleged fraudulent disbursements.
- Conspiracy and Aiding-and-Abetting: The DA’s Office alleges that the principals conspired to commit arson for financial gain, in violation of California Penal Code §§ 451 (arson of inhabited structure) and 182 (criminal conspiracy).
- Accessory Liability: Additionally, Javier Molina-Bravo, purportedly retained as an independent contractor for renovations, faces check-fraud charges under Penal Code § 484, and remains at large under an outstanding felony warrant.
The strategic deployment of parallel federal and state investigations underscores the Office’s capacity to marshal resources and leverage multi-disciplinary expertise in prosecuting complex white-collar offenses.
II. Recognition for Wildlife Crime Prosecution (June 13, 2025)
On June 13, 2025, Deputy District Attorney Michael Tufaro was bestowed with the California Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year 2024 award by the State Fish and Game Commission. This accolade acknowledges his exemplary record in litigating environmental and wildlife enforcement matters.
Scope of Prosecutorial Achievements
- Illegal Cultivation & Environmental Contamination: Successfully secured convictions against unlicensed cannabis cultivators who disposed of hazardous waste—including asbestos—within residential vicinities, violating Health and Safety Code §§ 11362.775 and § 25117.
- Endangered Species Trafficking: Handled multiple indictments involving the unlawful possession and transport of protected fauna, including mountain lions and sea turtles, in contravention of Fish and Game Code §§ 2022–2030.
- Wildlife Poaching: Achieved guilty pleas in several felony poaching cases facilitated by undercover operations and wiretap authorizations, upholding statutes under Fish and Game Code § 2000.
DA Mike Ramsey lauded Tufaro’s “unwavering dedication to safeguarding California’s natural resources,” highlighting the Office’s commitment to environmental stewardship through aggressive enforcement and judicial collaboration.
III. Additional Ongoing Initiatives
- Juvenile Sentencing
- Date of Press Release: June 13, 2025
- Disposition: A minor defendant was adjudicated delinquent for felony vandalism and sentenced to three years in juvenile hall pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 733(a).
- Historic Case Portfolio (Late 2024–Early 2025)
- Manslaughter prosecutions under Penal Code § 192(a)
- Arson litigations under Penal Code § 451(d)
- Various serious felony matters progressing through preliminary hearings and motions practice
These proceedings reflect the Office’s broad docket management, encompassing both violent and non-violent felony offenses.
