Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Manuel Alejandro Vasquez (DOB 02/10/78), a defendant in the 1998 murder of Felipe Arambula, has been extradited from Mexico. Vasquez is charged with murder, attempted kidnapping, first-degree residential burglary, and false imprisonment by violence. He also faces a special allegation of murder during a kidnapping. Vasquez made his first court appearance in Ventura County Superior Court on April 17, 2025. He fled to Mexico before charges were filed for the 1998 murder.
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Erik Nasarenko was elected Ventura County District Attorney on June 7, 2022, after his unanimous appointment by the Board of Supervisors the prior year. As the County’s top prosecutor overseeing more than 100 deputy district attorneys and 58 sworn investigators, Erik has initiated specialized efforts to prosecute fentanyl-based crimes, analyze untested rape kits, dismantle theft rings, and expand services to crime victims.
Latest News Releases
Owner of Former Ventura Dry Cleaning Business Settles Hazardous Waste Case
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit has reached a civil settlement with Shija Cho, the former owner of Unique Cleaners in Ventura, for the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
The case stems from the abandonment of hazardous materials, including dry cleaning chemicals containing perchloroethylene (PERC), discovered in Los Angeles County and traced back to Unique Cleaners at 2307 East Main Street. Cho operated the dry-cleaning business until it closed in June 2024.
“Our office is committed to protecting public health and the environment by holding businesses accountable for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This case reinforces the responsibility business owners have to manage toxic waste responsibly, from generation to final disposal.”
Fishing Boat Captain Fined for Polluting Local Waters
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that William Porter McHenry, a commercial fishing boat captain, has been ordered to pay fines for illegally dumping toxic waste into California waters.
McHenry owns and operates McHenry Fisheries, Inc., which runs the 67-foot commercial fishing vessel Sea Pearl. On December 6, 2024, McHenry allowed waste known as “stick water” to be dumped into the ocean. This waste can pollute the water and harm marine life. Authorities saw the Sea Pearl heading out to sea while releasing stick water, then turning back toward shore without crossing the state waters boundary line.
Fatal Overdose Investigation Leads to Federal Indictment and Arrest
On April 11, 2025, the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) concluded a multi-year investigation into a fatal overdose that occurred in the city of Simi Valley. The investigation led to the arrest and federal indictment of 43-year-old Simi Valley resident, Michael McDevitt.
Austin Eis Sentenced to 85 Years to Life for Murder of Westlake High Student and Series of Violent Attacks
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Austin Allen Eis (DOB 05/29/98), of Camarillo, has been sentenced to 85 years to life in state prison for a violent crime spree that culminated in the murder of 15-year-old Wesley Welling and left several others severely injured.
The two-day sentencing hearing was marked by a series of deeply emotional victim impact statements from survivors and family members, many sharing how Eis’ actions shattered their lives forever. Kelly Welling, Wesley’s mother, addressed the court and the defendant directly.
“No nightmare I can ever have is worse than waking up to this reality—to know that the last thing my son might have seen is your face,” Kelly said in court. “You robbed me of my son and the world of a boy who would have become an amazing man. At 15, he was already more of a man than you could ever be. You are not seen as powerful. You are seen as the coward that you are who chose to hurt children.”
Divisions
Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion
The Ventura County District Attorney recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (“DEBI”) in the office’s culture and climate, hiring, training and education, opportunities for advancement, and the relationship with the communities it serves. The District Attorney has created this committee to promote these stated values for the benefit of the Office and to achieve the Office’s mission.
