#25-BT-0047 State of San Andreas v. James Fonto

[jamesfonto]

Defendant Name: James Fonto
Defendant Phone: 3529817
(( Defendant Discord: Aman_Get_Beee ))
(( Defendant Timezone: ET ))
Type of Representation (Pick one): Self-Representation, Private Defense Attorney, Public Defender[/b]

Charging Department: SD

Date & Time of Incident(s): 13/JAN/2025 ##:##
Charge(s):

• Accessory to SF09-False imprisonment of a Hostage of a Gov. Employee, GF21-Prison Break, Accessory to SF02-Murder of a GOV. Employee, SF01-Domestic Terrorism.

Narrative:
I was wrongfully charged.

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I, James Fonto , hereby affirm that all information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and understand that knowingly providing false information could result in additional charges and/or fines. (( I affirm that all information submitted has been obtained via In-Character means. ))

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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NOTICE OF RECEIPT

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

State of San Andreas v. James Fonto

The court has hereby received and acknowledged the above case on the 20th day of January, 2025.

The Superior Court of San Andreas has received your filing and the case is now pending activation. Be advised that the court system runs on a first-come, first-served basis and will only activate cases out of order for special circumstances.

During this time, the defendant is encouraged to reach out to a licensed defense attorney in order to prepare a proper defense, otherwise, a court-appointed attorney will be assigned to the case upon its activation.

The defendant is further encouraged to speak with an authorized individual at Rockford Hills City Hall, Mission Row Police Station, or Paleto Bay Sheriff's Office for official clarification on the specific charges received and their respective date and times, as once the case has been activated, any omitted charges will be considered abandoned and unable to be disputed within this case.


Superior Court Justice
Branch Administrator
San Andreas Judicial Branch
505-9925 — [email protected]

[Sayaka Yukimura]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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NOTICE OF ACTIVATION & ORDER FOR DISCOVERY

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

State of San Andreas v. James Fonto
#25-BT-0047

A Notice of Activation & Order for Discovery was entered in the above case on the 26th day of April, 2025.

The case of State of San Andreas v. James Fonto is hereby activated and opened by this Court.

Be advised that the bench-trial court system runs on a weekly time-slot system. The prosecution and defense are hereby ordered to provide their evidence to the Court via Motion for Discovery within the next 30 days or file a Motion for Continuance.

If at any point in time the defendant or prosecution wishes set precedence or desire a formal criminal trial, they are welcome to file a Motion for a Change in Venue.


Superior Court Judge
San Andreas Judicial Branch
(909) 304-2935 — [email protected]

[Terence Williams]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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MOTION FOR DISCOVERY

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

State of San Andreas v. James Fonto
#25-BT-0047

A Motion for Discovery was filed in the above case on the 26th of May, 2025.

The State of San Andreas, by and through the undersigned attorney, filed this Motion for Discovery, and presents the following as evidence;

• Exhibit #1: Arrest report - James Fonto, 14/JAN/2025

  

  ARREST REPORT
  

  MUGSHOT

  SUSPECT 1 DETAILS

  • 
    
    
    Full Name: Gabe Ehrmantraut
    Telephone Number: 5589921
    Licenses Suspended: Yes
    • Driver
    • Trucker
    
    Charges:
    • VF01 - Evading an Officer
    • SF05 - Torture of a Gov. employee
    • SF02 - Attempted Murder of a Gov. employee
    • SF02 - Murder of a Gov. employee
    • SF01 - Domestic Terrorism
    • SF09 - False Imprisonment of a Hostage of a Gov. employee
    • WM02 - Possession of a Class 1 Firearm
    • GM19 - Face Concealment (b)
    • NM03 - Unlawful Assembly
    • GF21 - Accessory to Prison Break
    
    
    Additional Details (Suspect's vehicle, etc.) :

  MUGSHOT

  SUSPECT 2 DETAILS

  • 
    
    
    Full Name: Yaya Cougzy
    Telephone Number: 4232316
    Licenses Suspended: Yes
    • Driver
    • Trucker
    
    Charges:
    • SF09 - False Imprisonment of a Hostage
    • SF02 - Accessory to Murder of a Gov. employee
    • SF05 - Accessory to Torture of a Gov. employee
    • SF01 - Domestic Terrorism
    • NM03 - Unlawful Assembly
    • GM19 - Face Concealment (b)
    • VF01 - Evading an Officer
    • GF21 - Accessory to Prison Break
    
    
    Additional Details (Suspect's vehicle, etc.) :

  MUGSHOT

  SUSPECT 3 DETAILS

  • 
    
    
    Full Name: James Fonto
    Telephone Number: 3529817
    Licenses Suspended: No
    Charges:
    • SF02 - Accessory to Murder of a Gov. employee
    • SF09 - False Imprisonment of a Hostage of a Gov. employee
    • SF05 - Accessory to Torture of a Gov. employee
    • GF21 - Prison Break
    • SF01 - Domestic Terrorism
    
    
    Additional Details (Suspect's vehicle, etc.) :

  
  
  VEHICLES INVOLVED

  
  
  DEPUTY DETAILS

  • Full Name: James Valor
    Badge Number: 6374
    Callsign: 3-Z-10

  
  
  INCIDENT DETAILS

  • Date of Arrest: 2025-01-14
    Deputies Involved: Lieutenant Cliff Derringer, Lieutenant Trent Williams, Investigator II James Valor, Deputy Sheriff II Nylah Valor, Deputy Sheriff I Vince Taylor
    
    Provide details of the incident leading up to the arrest
    • In the early morning of January 14th, 2025, suspects abducted a DOC warden ((Kourtner Lafleur NLR)) and used her as a hostage to have James Fonto released from custody, units found the vehicle that was responsible for holding the warden and patiently waited for the involved suspects to lead DOC to the vehicle to conduct a trade for James Fonto. Upon the arrival of units it was discovered that the Warden had been killed inside of the RV and they had no intention of turning her over, the suspects attempted to flee and were swiftly apprehended by units from PD, SD & GOV. Investigator II James Valor picked up Deputy Vince Taylor and instructed him to take tires of Gabe Ehrmantrauts vehicle that had just fled after killing the kidnapped warden and shooting at other deputies.
      
      The body of the warden was bald, implying they had shaved her head, and due to the motives of the kidnapping, all involved with the crime were charged with Domestic Terrorism.

  
  EVIDENCE DETAILS

  • Location of Evidence Locker: Sandy Station
    
    Photo of the evidence in the locker (if applicable)

    

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  ARRESTING DEPUTY SIGNATURE
  
  

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• Exhibit #2: Witness statement - Lieutenant Trent Williams

  

  

  
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  Official Witness Statement
  "HERE FOR YOU | SAFE FOR YOU"

  Case Information

  • Case Number: State of San Andreas v. James Fonto
    Incident Date: 13/JAN/2025

  Witness Information

  • Name: Trent Williams
    Date of Birth: 02/FEB/1996
    Phone Number: (523)-6686
    Occupation: Lieutenant, Patrol Operations, Los Santos Sheriff's Department

  Witness Statement

  • In regards to the arrest of Mr. James Fonto, I was deployed as an Special Enforcement Operator for the kidnapping of the Department of Corrections Warden. I had responded to the situations after being discharged from Pillbox Medical center after suffering from injuries after I was involved in a helicopter crash. I responded to this situation and joined joint tactical communications channels much later than most units.
    
    By the time that I was involved, negotiations had already been well underway, and an exhanged for the hostage was about to kick off. As instructed by my leadership I deployed myself and my cruiser to hide in Mt Josiah to be a quick response force if anything were to go sideways. The exhanged vehicle travelled from the Department of Corrections to a low point of Mt. Josiah just outside of Fort Zancudo. Once the vehicle arrived and discussion took place of our means of communication, I heard the call to move in and secure the mobile domicile that the hostage was being held in. I then swiftly moved my cruiser from the mountain down to the vehicle, and was informed that other vehicles with involved suspects had sped their vehicles off the scene. I then was ordered to hold perimeter security around the area of the RV. After being informed that the Warden had been murdered I investigated the inside of the domicile to see for myself and look for any clues or information as to what we can do next.
    
    Around the time that I exited the RV after visually confirming the death of the Warden, I heard over the radio that units had stopped a vehicle not too far from me and required backup assistance, so I responded and set myself as security for other law enforcement on scene conducting their investigations.
    
    Minutes after I arrived to provide backup for that scene, another transmission came over the radio that units were pursuing another vehicle involved in the kidnapping/murder of the Warden and I responded as the situation needed a supervisor. I swiftly joined the pursuit and had the vehicle have PIT manuevers executed on it to have the chase come to a conclusion as soon as possible. After we got the driver out of the car, he was identified as Yaya Cougzy. He was processed and transported to the Department of Corrections.
    
    Unfortunatley, due to the chaos of the entire situation that unfolded, I am unaware if I ever even ran into or interacted with the suspect James Fonto.

  Witness Affirmation

  • I, Trent Williams, affirm that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I affirm that this statement has been made voluntarily, made without promise of reward, and made not under threat, force, or coercion. ((I affirm that all information submitted has been obtained via In-Character means.))
    
    Signed,
    
    
    Lieutenant Trent Williams
    Assistant Patrol Commander - South Patrol
    Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
    Date: 18/JAN/2025

  

• Exhibit #3: Bodycam footage - Lieutenant Trent Williams, 14/JAN/2025

  * The bodycam uploaded would start from Trent leaving Pillbox MD
  It would show him driving to Sandy Station and you would hear the multiple voices over JTAC working through negotiations
  It would then show Trent grab a unmarked Kamacho and begin to drive to and then up Mt Josiah
  After some time and final deliberations, you would head Cliff Derringer tell all Special Enforcement elements to move in and security the perimeter of the RV
  It would show Trent move in and confirm the dead body, then leave the RV
  You could then hear unit nearby calling out for backup on foot, down the street from Trent
  Trent would arrive on scene, exit his vehicle and post security around 20 feet from the suspect, you would not be ableto see the suspect clearly
  A call would come over the radio that units are in pursuit of a black terminus with red underglow
  It would then show Trent getting back into his Kamacho and speeding off towards the pursuit
  It would then show Trent conducting a PIT manuever near Califia Trail.
  It would then show other deputies moving in, arresting and indentifying the suspect.
  It would be Yaya Cougzy
  It would then show Trent and units loading up and driving to DOC
  ((Proof of RP))

• Exhibit #4: Witness statement - Investigator James Valor

  

  

  
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  Official Witness Statement
  "HERE FOR YOU | SAFE FOR YOU"

  Case Information

  • Case Number: [TBD]
    Incident Date: [14/JAN/2025]

  Witness Information

  • Name: [James Valor]
    Date of Birth: [13/APR/2000]
    Phone Number: [REDACTED]
    Occupation: [Investigator-In-Charge of the Gangs & Narcotics Division, LSSD]

  Witness Statement

  • During a prisoner breakout at the Department of Corrections by the criminal organization known as "Bratva" at around 03:00 AM on the 14th of January 2025; Suspects Gabe Ehrmantraut and Yaya Cougzy had a Warden captive inside of an RV at Lake Zancudo. While arranging a meet the suspect in question; "James Fonto" provided information to the captors that were leveraging the Warden for James Fonto's release informing the captors "Yaya Cougzy" (contact vehicle) & "Gabe Ehrmantraut" (direct hostage taker) that there was a GPS in the vehicle that was escorting Mr. Fonto to the meet, which resulted in "Yaya Cougzy" taking out our only way to communicate with the contact vehicle. Thereby making James Fonto an accomplice in every crime that the captors committed. Shall you require additional information I am happy to testify.

  Witness Affirmation

  • I, [James Valor], affirm that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I affirm that this statement has been made voluntarily, made without promise of reward, and made not under threat, force, or coercion. ((I affirm that all information submitted has been obtained via In-Character means.))
    
    Signed,
    
    
    [James Valor]
    [Investigator II, Investigator-In-Charge of the Gangs & Narcotics Division]
    [Los Santos Sheriff's Department]
    
    Date: [21/JAN/2025]

  

Terence Williams
Attorney General
San Andreas Judicial Branch
234-9321 — [email protected]

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Docket Notice
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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• Parties,
  
  This is to serve as a FIRST notice to the defendant that bench trials are currently scheduled on multiple days throughout the week. Please notify the court if these times do not work for you. The expectation of the court is that each defendant file a notice for availability in the next 7 days. Date, times, and formatting shown here. The courts will only provide the defendant three notices prior to involuntarily dismissing the case in favor of prosecution due to lack of response from the defendant.
  
  Please note there is the possibility of a trial happening if defendants show up to City Hall and both a judge and defense attorney are available.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  
  Associate Justice
  Branch Administrator
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  505-9925 — [email protected]

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Docket Notice
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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• Parties,
  
  This is to serve as a SECOND notice to the defendant that bench trials are currently scheduled on multiple days throughout the week. Please notify the court if these times do not work for you. The expectation of the court is that each defendant file a notice for availability in the next 7 days. Date, times, and formatting shown here. The courts will only provide the defendant three notices prior to involuntarily dismissing the case in favor of prosecution due to lack of response from the defendant.
  
  Please note there is the possibility of a trial happening if defendants show up to City Hall and both a judge and defense attorney are available.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  
  Associate Justice
  Branch Administrator
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  505-9925 — [email protected]

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Docket Notice
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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• Parties,
  
  The defendant has attempted to make contact with the courts in person and therefore we will be restarting the available notices and times for the defendant to attempt to have further time to schedule. Thank you for at least trying to have your case heard.
  
  This is to serve as a FIRST notice to the defendant that bench trials are currently scheduled on multiple days throughout the week. Please notify the court if these times do not work for you. The expectation of the court is that each defendant file a notice for availability in the next 7 days. Date, times, and formatting shown here. The courts will only provide the defendant three notices prior to involuntarily dismissing the case in favor of prosecution due to lack of response from the defendant.
  
  Please note there is the possibility of a trial happening if defendants show up to City Hall and both a judge and defense attorney are available.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  
  Associate Justice
  Branch Administrator
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  505-9925 — [email protected]

[Joseph Horton]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Docket Notice
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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• Parties,
  
  This is to serve as a SECOND notice to the defendant that bench trials are currently scheduled on multiple days throughout the week. Please notify the court if these times do not work for you. The expectation of the court is that each defendant file a notice for availability in the next 7 days. Date, times, and formatting shown here. The courts will only provide the defendant three notices prior to involuntarily dismissing the case in favor of prosecution due to lack of response from the defendant.
  
  Please note there is the possibility of a trial happening if defendants show up to City Hall and both a judge and defense attorney are available.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  
  Court Clerk
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  274-6959 — [email protected]

[Hope Kant]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Docket Notice
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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• Parties,
  
  This is to serve as a THIRD notice to the defendant that bench trials are currently scheduled on multiple days throughout the week. Please notify the court if these times do not work for you. The expectation of the court is that each defendant file a notice for availability in the next 7 days. Date, times, and formatting shown here. The courts will only provide the defendant three notices prior to involuntarily dismissing the case in favor of prosecution due to lack of response from the defendant.
  
  Please note there is the possibility of a trial happening if defendants show up to City Hall and both a judge and defense attorney are available.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  
  Associate Justice
  Branch Administrator
  San Andreas Judicial Branch
  505-9925 — [email protected]

[Joseph Horton]

San Andreas Judicial Branch
Superior Court of San Andreas
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

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ISSUANCE OF VERDICT

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN ANDREAS

State of San Andreas v. James Fonto
#25-BT-0047

A decision was reached in the above case on the 24th day of July, 2025.

The Court has reviewed the facts of the case surrounding the incident that took place on the 14th of January, 2025.

On the morning of January 14th, Mr. James Fonto was serving time at the DOC facility for prior unrelated charges. An incident took place where by a DOC Warden was taken as a hostage. Law Enforcement communicated with the hostage takers, who stated the demands to be the release of James Fonto in exchange for the Warden. Law Enforcement then identified that the Warden had been murdered with signs of Torture taking place.

The disputed facts of the case are whether the Defendant was either a willing participant or had prior knowledge of the Prison Break and/or the kidnapping of the DOC Warden and any subsequent violent actions. Additionally, it is not clear to the Court whether the statement in Exhibit #4 surrounding the information about the GPS is factual in nature given the lack of context provided in the exhibit.

It is with the above considerations that I issue the following verdict:

• On the count of GF21 - Prison Break, I find the defendant, James Fonto, not guilty.
• On the count of SF02 - Accessory to Murder of a Gov. employee, I find the defendant, James Fonto, not guilty.
• On the count of SF05 - Accessory to Torture of a Gov. employee, I find the defendant, James Fonto, not guilty.
• On the count of SF09 - False Imprisonment of a Hostage of a Gov. employee, I find the defendant, James Fonto, not guilty.
• On the count of SF01 - Domestic Terrorism, I find the defendant, James Fonto, not guilty.

The defendant should make their way to City Hall at their earliest convenience to have the change to their record noted as well as the payment of $144,750 returned to them for fines, time, and other expenses/inconveniences incurred from the contested charges.


Magistrate Judge
San Andreas Judicial Branch
274-6959 — [email protected]