Prison possible for farm family

Five members of a prominent San Joaquin Valley agribusiness family could face prison time after agreeing Friday to a federal plea deal for skimming income from fruit and nut sales to avoid paying taxes.

U.S. Atty. McGregor W. Scott announced that the five members of the Sambado agricultural operation -- including the family patriarch -- could face prison terms ranging from three to five years.

The family, based in Linden, near Stockton, is one of the state’s biggest producers of fruits and nuts, each year growing and shipping nearly a third of California’s apple crop as well as a big percentage of its cherries and walnuts.

Lawrence J. Sambado, 70, his wife, Beverly A. Sambado, 71, sons Richard and Timothy and daughter-in-law Marie Josee Dusablan-Sambado agreed to plead guilty, Scott said.

In addition to possible prison time, the five have agreed to pay more than $300,000 in fines and restitution.

-- Eric Bailey