Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that temporary staffing agency Man Staffing, LLC will pay $650,000 in civil penalties and restitution for failing to carry workers’ compensation insurance for its temporary employees from at least 2017 through 2023.

“Man Staffing’s refusal to obtain workers’ compensation insurance from licensed insurers shows a blatant disregard for worker safety and a willingness to gain an unfair advantage over other staffing companies that follow the law,” District Attorney Nasarenko said.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gary Steven Daniel II (DOB 09/21/78), of Oxnard, pleaded guilty on January 15, 2026, in two cases involving his possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These convictions included admissions that he had previously been convicted of possessing CSAM, was a California sexual offender registrant, and had been released on bail when the second crime occurred. In total, Daniel pleaded guilty to three felony counts of possession or control of CSAM.

The Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC) announced today the expansion of on-site legal services with the addition of a second Ventura County Legal Aid (VCLA) attorney. This week, the new attorney began serving clients at the Family Justice Center, further strengthening support for victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.

“Ventura County Legal Aid provides crucial services for survivors navigating our complex civil legal systems, often during the worst times of their lives,” said Family Justice Centers Administrator Rachael Watkins. “They ensure rights of victims are upheld and empower clients to take actionable steps towards regaining control and independence while instilling hope throughout the process. We are grateful for their continued support and partnership.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Aaron Jabezz Holmes (DOB 12/02/95), of Oxnard, was sentenced on January 12, 2026, for the 2015 first-degree murder of Angel Diaz and for assault with a firearm against another victim. Holmes previously pleaded no contest on September 24, 2025, to first-degree murder, including the allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing death, and to assault with a firearm. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors including a prior strike.

At sentencing, and over the strong objection from prosecutors, the judge struck Holmes’ prior strike for robbery before sentencing him to 54 years to life for his crimes.

By striking the prior strike, the court reduced the amount of actual time Holmes will serve before becoming eligible for parole. Without the court’s ruling, Holmes would have been ineligible for youthful offender parole and statutory elder parole, delaying any possibility of parole until approximately age 60. As a result of this decision, Holmes will now be eligible for parole consideration at approximately age 44.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder of Rachael Castillo, the mother of their children. Ms. Castillo was in the process of divorcing the defendant, and the divorce was nearly complete at the time Ali murdered her. Ali was convicted on November 21, 2025, of first-degree murder with the special circumstance that the murder was committed by means of lying in wait. Prior to trial, Ali pled guilty to the felony crime of sexual contact with the victim’s remains after her death.

“Where any human being should feel shame, disgust, and loathing for what he has done, the defendant has shown no remorse,” Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell said. “His actions place him among the very worst offenders this court will ever see. He deserved no leniency, and today’s sentence ensures he will never again be free to endanger another person or inflict further harm on society.”