Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Neil Liam Reb (DOB 11/07/03), of Oak Park, has been charged with two counts of felony gross vehicular manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Alejandro and Maria Ramirez. Reb also faces a special allegation that the crime is a serious felony.
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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
Former Pastor in Oxnard Sentenced for Stealing $200,000 from Church
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Curtis Frank Lemons (DOB 12/31/56), currently living in Atoka, Tennessee, but formerly from Camarillo, was sentenced to two years in state prison for misappropriating $200,000 from an Oxnard church. Lemons previously pleaded guilty on April 4, 2025, to three felony counts: two for grand theft and one for money laundering.
Santa Paula Man Faces State Prison for Beating Sick Sea Lion
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Hurtado (DOB 03/30/93), of Santa Paula, pled guilty on June 16, 2025, to two felony counts related to the beating of a sea lion suffering on a Ventura beach from recent algae blooms. Hurtado changed his plea just ahead of trial, admitting to one count of cruelty to an animal and possession of a hard drug. He also admitted to all special allegations and aggravating factors including a prior strike and that the sea lion was vulnerable.
“Ventura County was outraged by the violence this defendant inflicted on a defenseless animal,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “The nature of this senseless attack shocked our conscience and called for aggressive prosecution.”
Oxnard Man Pleads Guilty to Auto Insurance Fraud
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Hector Murrillo (DOB 10/14/95), of Oxnard, pled guilty on June 12, 2025, to one count of felony automobile insurance fraud.
Murrillo is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to five years in county jail and a fine up to $50,000, or double the amount of fraud, whichever is greater. The District Attorney’s Office will be seeking restitution on behalf of Progressive Insurance.
Kevin Ray James Sentenced for 1997 Bank Robbery Murder of Monica Leech
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kevin Ray James (DOB 09/23/67), of San Bernardino, was sentenced on June 13, 2025, to 19 years to life in state prison for the 1997 murder of Monica Leech during an armed bank robbery in Thousand Oaks. James previously pled guilty on May 16, 2025, and admitted that he personally used a firearm during the commission of the crime.
Monica’s family, friends, and co-workers spoke at the sentencing hearing, providing victim impact statements.
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.
