Author: KYMA

Dillon Fuhrman

DATELAND, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is has issued a notification regarding a Level 3 sex offender in the Dateland community.

YCSO says 46-year-old Elijah Dale Seybert told them he is living in the area of E. Highway 80 in Dateland.

Seybert is described by YCSO as six-feet, four-inches tall, weighing 275 pounds, is bald and has brown eyes, and is not wanted by YCSO at this time.

In June of 1998, Seybert pled guilty to one count of indecent exposure in the the Boulder County Court in Boulder, Colorado, YCSO says.

He was sentenced to serve nearly two years of probation and six months of work release, with a credit of 90 days of time served, YCSO says.

In January of 2002, Seybert pled guilty to one count of indecent exposure and one count of harassement alarm/annoy in the Mesa County Court in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he served four months in jail, according to YCSO.

In September of 2017, Seybert pled guilty to two counts of false information on registration and one count of patronizing a prostitute in the Boulder County Court in Boulder, Colorado, YCSO says.

He was then sentenced to serve nearly two years in jail followed by six months consecutively, with a credit for 186 days of time served, according to YCSO.

Seybert is described by YCSO as a Level 3 sex offender, with a high risk to reoffend.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – A parent of a student in the Imperial Unified School District (IUSD) is claiming their son is facing retaliation from the district’s administration.

Jeffrey Jimenez says his son was suspended after reportedly filming a fight on campus at Frank Wright Middle School on March 5. He alleges the suspension is retaliation for reporting the vice principal following a previous suspension of the child which has since been expunged.

That previous suspension stems from an off-campus incident in which the vice principal allegedly suspended several students for fighting.

We obtained a letter from IUSD, which stated that even though there was enough evidence to justify disciplining the student, the school did not follow proper legal process.

The letter reads, “California Education Code § 48911 requires a pre-suspension informal conference to inform a student of the reasons and evidence for a proposed suspension from school and allow a response.”

“My son was involved in an incident off campus in February and Vice Principal Genaro Sanchez responded to that incident and didn’t do an investigation. Didn’t get any statements didn’t do anything. He immediately told us our son was suspended, didn’t do an investigation. Didn’t get any statements and that’s in violation of California law. Due process laws,” Jimenez told KYMA.

Our newsroom contacted the IUSD, but the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Summer Heraz, said the school is not at liberty to comment on student disciplinary action due to privacy.

We’ll keep following this story and provide you with the latest details as they become available.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a troubling trend involving deep-fake videos that promote a weight loss product.

Over the course of two months, BBB Scam Tracker received over 170 reports regarding a product called LipoMax, which is marketed as a form of the popular “pink salt trick” on social media.

What you’ll learn:

How scammers use AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities and doctors to market weight loss products like LipoMax.

Real consumer experiences, including reports of fake endorsements, improper billing, poor product quality, and pressure to buy more supplements.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from weight loss scams, including spotting misleading ads, avoiding subscription traps, and reporting suspicious activity.

Reports describe how fake videos were used to sell the supplement. Consumers reported seeing deep-fake videos of celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, as well as alleged physicians, endorsing the product on social media.

Reports have been received from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin. 

A consumer from Illinois told BBB’s Scam Tracker: “I was on Facebook and noticed a video with Oprah Winfrey and a doctor speaking of the ‘pink salt trick diet.’ Oprah herself talked about the magnificent results as did others on the video. Oprah also claimed she funded the project to manufacture the LipoMax product (pink salt trick). I figured Oprah-this must be legit. Over $400 after ordering the product I did indeed receive the order…Now I continue to receive emails asking me to sign on with a weight loss coach for more money.”

A Florida consumer reported: “I purchased a 6-month supply for $303.95. I thought [the] video was really with Oprah in it about LipoMax. I was also contacted by a ‘coach’ for LipoMax after my order, who tried to sell me $800 in additional supplements.”

A BBB investigation revealed that LipoMax is trademarked by a company registered in Wyoming; however, consumers are directed to send returns to addresses in Lakeland, FL and Largo, FL.

Reports also claim improper billing, non-existent customer service, ineffective ingredients and continued pressure to buy additional supplements, by someone claiming to be a LipoMax “coach.”   

In response to the BBB, a LipoMax representative stated that the use of AI-generated or “deep-fake”videos is neither authorized nor endorsed by the company, and the videos are not produced by the company.

They also added that due to the independent nature of affiliate marketing, they do not have control over the content affiliates may create. The company stated it is committed to addressing any misuse in order to protect its brand and consumers.

To help avoid weight loss scams, BBB has a list of tips on misleading ads and subscription traps for weight loss.

Remember, don’t be quick to trust endorsements. Many scammers use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos without their permission in order to gain consumers’ trust. Always research the company before doing business. 

Hire Trusted Accredited businesses and BBB ScamTracker at bbb.org

Read the full Attorneys General letter sent to Meta regarding weight loss ads HERE.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says a motorcyclist is dead following a crash Wednesday morning.

According to a press release, the crash happened in the area of S. Avenue D and W. Francis Street before 6:30 a.m.

YPD says a 72-year-old man was riding a black 2023 Honda VT 750 southbound on Avenue D when it crashed into the rear of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, which was driven by a 26-year-old man and had three passengers, “that was towing a utility trailer.”

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, according to YPD, who says no other injuries were reported.

While speed appears to be a factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information regarding the crash, call YPD at (928) 783-4421, or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Fatality Collision S. Avenue D and Francis Street 26-20157Download

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Adrik Vargas

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis, Arizona Mayor Nieves Riedel confirmed Wednesday the Cesar Chavez Boulevard groundbreaking event for next Monday has been canceled due to allegations against Chavez.

In addition to the groundbreaking event, Mayor Riedel also confirmed that the Cesar Chavez Day activities have also been canceled.

In San Luis, his legacy is hard to miss, from the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center to streets that bear his name, and even the home where he died.

Many residents remember their days as field workers and can recall meeting him in person.

“The people that are my age, I’m 73, we all got to know him well, and the people who say follow him today, they didn’t get to know him,” said Ramiro Muro, a San Luis resident.

Muro met Chavez and fellow activist Dolores Huerta in Oxnard, California when he was a fieldworker.

“They would tell us, ‘You guys are doing a great work. Keep it up and don’t let anyone humiliate you,'” Muro shared.

For some in the community, the news is hard to take.

“It made me so sad because for all these years, we’ve had this vision of him always helping people…All this time, we’ve been taught about all his good work,” said Steven Keely, another San Luis resident.

Keely says the canceled events take away the opportunity to celebrate what Chavez stood for.

“Well, he’s not here anymore, so I think we should focus on the positive because after all, it’s more than Cesar Chavez…It’s about what he fought for, which was farmworker’s rights,” Keely expressed.

As investigations continue, statues, like the one near the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, remain on display in San Luis for all to see.

The City of San Luis also released a statement regarding the allegations against Chavez. To read their statement, click here.

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Carolina Garcia

UPDATE (5:19 PM): According to the Calexico Police Department, an arson suspect has been arrested in connection to the fire at Walmart.

The store will remain closed until further notice.

UPDATE (12:19 PM): According to our reporter on scene, the fire started in the storage area outside Walmart.

Our reporter says the firefighters got the fire under control and are expected to finish work in two hours.

13 firefighters from both the Calexico and Holtville Fire Departments participated in battling the fire.

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Calexico Fire Department (CFD) is responding to a fire at Walmart Wednesday.

According to a reporter on scene, it appears to be trash or debris behind the store that caught fire, causing customers to evacuate.

Our reporter says the fire is almost fully out, but there is no word on what caused the fire.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) says Ashley DeCorse has been selected for the 2026 American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Student to Leadership Development Program.

According to a press release, the three-year program is to support “students in developing the skills and experience necessary to advance from clinical education to professional leadership.”

During her participation in the program, DeCorse, who is a first-year student at AWC’s Radiology program, “will receive mentorship, leadership training, and full funding to attend national networking events and educational sessions.”

“This is a prestigious honor, and notably, it marks the second consecutive year a student from AWC has been chosen for this competitive national program,” shared Director of Radiologic Technology Tracy Iversen. “This achievement is a testament to the caliber of our students and the strength of our medical imaging curriculum.”

Also during the next three years, DeCorse will represent AWC on a national stage and will complete advanced ASRT leadership training, engage in advocacy planning, and participate in professional case studies.

“This is truly a proud moment for Arizona Western College and a testament to the excellence of our Radiology Program,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact Ashley will make in the medical imaging field.”

KYMA spoke to DeCorse, who shared her excitement about participating in the program.

“The best part about leadership is that this program is really gonna set me up for anything that I really want to go into, or branch off into,” DeCorse expressed.

First-year Radiology student selected for national leadership programDownload

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Madeline Murray

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – The Arizona State Gang Police Task Force responded to a call involving a man hiding under a bridge near the Yuma Main Canal Tuesday evening.

Officers made several attempts to get the man to come out from under the bridge.

After safely removing him from the area, he was taken into custody, with officials on scene saying the situation stemmed from an issue out of Phoenix.

We’ve reached out to the Arizona Department of Public Safely for more information, and will bring you updates as they become available.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A recent RV fire that ended in a crash near the Mirada Del Sol neighborhood is raising new concerns about safety along S. Pacific Avenue.

The crash happened near 18th Street, where an RV caught fire before leaving the roadway and crashing into a backyard, coming dangerously close to a home.

According to Rural Metro, crews arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames and quickly worked to keep the fire from spreading to the house.

Homeowner Miguel Pulido said the situation unfolded quickly and left his family shaken.

“My wife called me and she was frantic. She says it’s on fire, and I just happened to look over and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,'” Pulido said.

While the home did not suffer major structural damage, Pulido said parts of the roof and personal belongings were burned or damaged by the heat.

He says the crash has renewed concerns that neighbors have had for years about the lack of a protective barrier along the roadway above their homes.

“There’s damage, but part of the issue here is that there’s no rail up there,” Pulido said.

Pulido and other residents say they previously pushed for a guardrail in the area, but no action was taken. Now, he hopes this incident will lead to change.

According to the Yuma County Assessor’s Office, the land between S. Pacific Avenue and the neighborhood falls under the Arizona Department of Transportation, while the road itself is maintained by the City of Yuma.

Pulido says without a barrier in place, homes below the roadway remain at risk.

“We have nothing in between. It could have been anybody’s house,” he said.

A petition is now circulating, calling on local officials to install a stronger safety barrier to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

To view or sign the petition, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to a house fire Tuesday afternoon.

According to a press release, it happened in the area of S. 12th Avenue and W. 12th Street at around 1:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, YFD says crews found smoke and flames coming from the backyard of a single-story, single-family home, prompting them to immediately deploy hose lines and conduct an “aggressive fire attack,” extinguishing the fire in the backyard.

During that time, YFD says crews saw smoke coming from the home’s vents and conducted a search inside the home to check for any fire extension.

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

YFD then says a fire was located in the attic and it was immediately extinguished, and says, “Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one room, preventing further spread throughout the home.”

While no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, YFD says.

009 RESI Backyard 12th AveDownload

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