California Deputy Attorney General Maggy Krell has dismissed all charges against Ellen Lester, the wife of Gold Country Lenders CEO Philip Lester, with plans to refile. A preliminary hearing into the evidence against Lester was vacated Tuesday morning, after Kress announced she would dismiss two felony counts of conspiracy and securities fraud against her. Lester’s three co-defendants — husband Philip Lester, Susan Laferte and Jonathan Blinder — are still facing prosecution pursuant to allegations that Gold Country Lenders engaged in a pattern of theft and fraud for over eight years, bilking investors of more than $2.3 million. Philip Lester and …
- Police chase ends with stolen car crashed, 2 arrested
- Anti-Agenda 21 author tells Grass Valley to seize control
- Elderly driver unhurt after driving through store window
- Nevada County climber survives 60-foot drop from Tahoe cliff
- Reported drunk driver hits officers’ cars as they arrest other alleged drunk driver (UPDATE)














