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Ventura County District Attorney’s Office

District Attorney - Erik Nasarenko

Erik Nasarenko was elected Ventura County District Attorney on June 7, 2022. As the County’s top prosecutor overseeing 115 deputy district attorneys and 60 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.


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Latest News Releases

  • Ventura Man Charged with Felony Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud

    The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Heriberto Baez (DOB 10/02/86), of Ventura, has been charged with two counts of felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud and one count of felony attempted perjury.

    Baez’s pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment. He is scheduled for an early disposition conference on June 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains out of custody on his own recognizance.

    April 13, 2026
  • Oxnard Man Convicted of Molestation and Rape of a Child

    Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Gonzalez-Arteaga (DOB 05/13/81), of Oxnard, was convicted on April 9, 2026, of six felony counts related to the molestation and rape of a child. The jury found Gonzalez-Arteaga guilty of continuous sexual abuse, three counts of unlawful acts with a child 10 years and under, forcible rape, and possession of child sexual abuse material. All special allegations and aggravating circumstances were found true, including that he inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of forcible rape. This aggravating circumstance makes Gonzalez-Arteaga’s sentence mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP).

    Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case. “The defendant committed the ultimate betrayal of a child he was supposed to protect,” Ms. Atmore said. “Although the victim will likely suffer with the memories of her abuse for the rest of her life, the jury’s swift and just verdict ensures the defendant will never hurt another child.”

    April 10, 2026
  • Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for 2014 Park Stabbing

    Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced on April 6, 2026, that Jose Antonio Jimenez (DOB 01/08/94), of Oxnard, has been charged with murder for the 2014 killing of Labh Nigah. Jimenez made an appearance in court and had his arraignment continued to April 28, 2026.

    “This was an ambush and a brutal crime committed in broad daylight against a completely unsuspecting victim,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “While nothing can undo the harm caused to Mr. Nigah’s family, the arrest and filing of charges represents an important step toward accountability. This case is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement partners and the power of advancing forensic technology to deliver justice, no matter how much time has passed.”

    April 7, 2026
  • Oxnard Man Sentenced for First-Degree Murder, Other Related Charges

    Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Willis Nichols (DOB 03/15/03), of Oxnard, has been sentenced to 94 years to life in prison for the first-degree murder of Adrian Sandoval and other crimes. The jury found Nichols guilty of seven felony charges stemming from two separate shootings in Oxnard in December 2021 and March 2022. He was convicted on March 6, 2026, of first-degree murder, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, attempted murder, and three counts of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle. Several special allegations and aggravating factors were also found to be true, including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, causing great bodily injury, and that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.

    Senior Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Homicides Unit, prosecuted the case.

    “While the defendant is young, he is a very dangerous man,” Ms. Pollara said. “The court’s sentence and the findings of the jury reflect the danger he presents to society. The defendant refused to control himself during trial and sentencing, laughing out loud when pictures of the deceased victim were shown, including during victim impact statements and in the presence of Mr. Sandoval’s 3-year-old child.”

    April 6, 2026
  • Construction Business Owner Charged with Felony Workers’ Compensation Fraud

    The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Jonah Slatky (DOB 04/19/72), of Somis, has been charged with six counts of felony workers’ compensation insurance premium fraud, with an alleged loss of approximately $519,000. The complaint further alleges a special enhancement for losses exceeding $100,000, as well as aggravating factors including that the crime involved both attempted and actual taking, and was carried out with planning, sophistication, or professionalism.

    The case was investigated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Joann Roth.

    If convicted, Slatky faces a maximum sentence of six years and four months in state prison. The enhancement, if found true, makes a prison sentence mandatory.

    April 2, 2026

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