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Retired Fresno Judge Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge: Police
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 2 years ago on
December 20, 2022

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A prominent Fresno attorney and retired judge was arrested Saturday on suspicion of committing domestic violence.

Fresno Police confirm Oliver Wanger, 82, was taken into custody. Police did not provide any further information.

Former Fresno County Judge Oliver Wanger (Fresno County Sheriff’s Office)

Wanger’s booking record shows he was arrested at his northeast Fresno home early Saturday morning at 12:31 a.m.

A Fresno County Sheriff’s spokesman said Wanger spent slightly more than two hours in jail, posting a $25,000 bail around 4:15 a.m.

Wanger served as a federal judge for 20 years (1991-2011), and prior to that as a judge with the Fresno County Superior Court (1986-1991).

After retiring from the bench, Wanger continued to practice law, becoming an expert in water litigation.

Charges have not been filed, according to court records. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says Wanger has a court date scheduled for March 2, 2023.

Attorney Vows to Fight

His attorney, Peter Kapetan, praised Wanger.

“I have known Oliver Wanger for over 30 years both professionally and personally. He is a pillar of the community and an icon of the legal profession. As a former federal judge for the United States District Court, he was thoroughly vetted by the FBI and has an impeccable record. Throughout his 82 years, Mr. Wanger has donated his expertise for the benefit of this community and has given countless hours to local charitable concerns.

“It is unfortunate that he has had this allegation leveled against him. There are two sides to this allegation and, as his attorney, I remain hopeful that an objective review of the facts will mandate that no charges be filed. However, if charges are filed, Mr. Wanger will vigorously defend himself and we expect total vindication,” Kapetan said.

Kapetan would not elaborate on the nature of the arrest.

ABC 30 first reported the story.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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