District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that a review conducted by the Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI) and the District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit has determined that a man convicted more than 40 years ago of a 1982 rape in unincorporated Simi Valley was wrongfully convicted.

Recent DNA testing excluded the wrongfully convicted man, Richard Luna, as the individual responsible for the crime. The results identified a different individual whose DNA matched evidence collected from the victim’s sexual assault kit.

“While we can’t undo the past, we can use the power of DNA technology to exonerate the wrongfully convicted,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This case underscores our responsibility as prosecutors to examine the integrity of our convictions and seek justice on behalf of those who served time for crimes they never committed.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that a jury has found Sergio Contreras (DOB 01/04/06), of Oxnard, guilty of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and street terrorism. The jury also found true all special allegations, including causing great bodily injury in the commission of a felony and violent felony street gang activity.

Contreras is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 24 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with no bail and faces up to 18 years in state prison.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that two Los Angeles County men have been charged for defrauding Ventura County victims in a construction scam. Ben Nino Hunter (DOB 07/08/74), of Hidden Hills, and Moran Elkarif (DOB 12/17/81), of Los Angeles, are charged with seven felony counts of grand theft, conspiracy to defraud another’s property, and diversion of construction funds. They are also charged with two misdemeanor violations for contracting without a license and accepting excessive payment. The charges include special allegations and aggravating factors, including causing an excessive loss of more than $1.3 million, taking advantage of a position of trust, and targeting a particularly vulnerable victim.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cesar Manuel Zavala (DOB 12/12/85), of Simi Valley, has been charged in a domestic violence case with the attempted murder of his girlfriend. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon and the crime involving great violence. Today, Zavala pled not guilty to all charges during his first court appearance. He was also served with a criminal protective order prohibiting contact with the victim.

Zavala is scheduled for an early disposition conference on December 9, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in
courtroom 37 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail. A bail
review hearing is set for December 3, 2025.