Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week in the Assembly Public Safety Committee supporting Assembly Bill 1344, a measure aimed at significantly enhancing public safety. This new legislative proposal, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, is designed to empower district attorneys to petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), a crucial tool in preventing gun violence. Laws authorizing GVROs are commonly referred to as “Red Flag Laws” and they allow a judge to temporarily prohibit firearm possession by a person who poses a significant danger to themself or others.

“This is a common sense public safety bill with due process protections that will help to save lives,” District Attorney Nasarenko explained in his testimony. “Prosecutors are in the unique position to understand when this restraining order is needed and are able to provide a consistent and thorough approach to gun violence restraining orders. This will free up law enforcement and first responders to handle 911 calls and core investigative functions, rather than be in court where there are often delays.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Lucio Sedeno (DOB 11/12/90), of Oxnard, has been charged with assault on a peace officer, resisting a peace officer causing serious bodily injury, and failure to update his annual sex offender registration. Sedeno also faces two special allegations, including causing great bodily injury in commission of a felony.

“This case underscores the dangers our law enforcement officers face in the line of duty,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will vigorously prosecute those who threaten our public safety officers and cause harm to members of our community.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, has been held to answer for the first-degree murder of Simi Valley resident Rachel Castillo.

Following a two-day preliminary hearing, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Paul Feldman determined there was sufficient evidence to move forward to trial. In addition to the murder charge, Judge Feldman held Ali to answer on multiple special allegations, including the use of a deadly weapon, murder committed for financial gain, and murder committed by means of lying in wait. Ali is also charged with the unlawful mutilation, disinterment, or act of sexual contact upon a human corpse.

“This was a senseless and brutal killing that shocked our community,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We remain committed to securing justice for Rachel Castillo and her loved ones for this horrific crime.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Marcelino Arias Arca (DOB 06/19/56), of Oxnard, was sentenced on April 7, 2025, to 480 years to life in state prison for molesting two child victims. Arca was previously convicted by a jury on March 5, 2025, of six felony counts of lewd acts upon a child. The jury also found true a special allegation that there were multiple victims. Arca admitted other special allegations including two prior convictions for molestation in 1988.

“Decades ago, this defendant went to prison for sexually abusing a child. When given a second chance, he chose not to change—instead, he went on to sexually abuse two more children, this time within his own family,” Mr. Moreno said. “This sentence reflects the severe and lasting harm he caused and sends a clear message that child sexual abuse will not be tolerated, especially by repeat offenders.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ivan Andre Chamorro Santibanez (DOB 12/07/01), of Chile, was sentenced to 14 years state prison on April 7, 2025, for committing 10 residential burglaries in Ventura County. Chamorro Santibanez previously pled guilty on March 7, 2025, to 10 felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and one felony count of conspiracy to residential burglary. He also admitted to all special allegations and aggravating circumstances, including a strike prior for residential burglary and that the crimes were carried out in a manner that indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism.

“This sentence reflects the serious impact residential burglaries have on victims and our community,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Paul Nuñez said. “The defendant carefully planned and executed these crimes, violating the sanctity and safety of people’s homes.”