FBI Arrests Two California Officials in Explosive Arson and Fraud Case
A bombshell arrest has rocked the political landscape of Northern California, as the FBI has taken two public officials into custody on serious felony charges, including arson, insurance fraud, and perjury.
Live Oak Vice Mayor Aaron Pamma and Simren Pamma, a trustee with the Unified School District, are at the center of the investigation. Authorities allege the two conspired with a property owner to deliberately torch a farmhouse and then file a fraudulent $200,000 insurance claim.
According to investigators, the alleged plot involved the creation of falsified documents and the use of a handyman who may have been paid off to help carry out the crime.
City and Legal Responses
The City of Live Oak responded cautiously, issuing a brief statement confirming awareness of Aaron Pamma’s arrest and noting that officials are closely watching developments as the case unfolds.
Vice Mayor Pamma’s attorney issued a swift denial of the charges, calling them “unfounded” and asserting that both Pamma brothers plan to “vigorously defend themselves” in court.
Ongoing Investigation May Lead to More Arrests
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey revealed that the investigation originally began with Cal Fire before escalating into a broader federal probe. Ramsey hinted that the current arrests might be just the beginning, stating, “This has been a months-long investigation, and we may be uncovering even more serious misconduct as it continues.”
A Pattern of Scandal
This case surfaces just weeks after another high-profile legal scandal in California. Melahat Rafiei, the former executive director of the Democratic Party of Orange County, recently pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges, with sentencing that could include up to 20 years in prison.
As legal proceedings move forward, California’s political establishment is once again under scrutiny—raising questions about oversight and ethics in public office.