Oxnard Man Convicted of Attempted Child Abduction by Forging Court Documents
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Jose Santos Villalobos (DOB 04/13/91), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury on January 8, 2026, for attempting to steal his child with forged legal documents. Villalobos was found guilty of felony attempted child abduction, filing false or forged documents, forgery, and misdemeanor disobeying a domestic relations court order. Following the verdict, the court found true the aggravating factor that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism. “This case involved a calculated effort to deceive law enforcement and our office by fabricating judicial authority,” Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce said. “The verdict makes clear that such conduct will not be tolerated, especially when a child’s safety is at stake.”
Stronger Penalties Now in Place for Disaster Looting & Emergency Impersonation
A new set of public safety laws strongly supported by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko have taken effect in 2026, strengthening penalties for looting and the impersonation of emergency personnel during declared emergencies. “Ventura County is no stranger to disaster, and our residents know firsthand how devastating these events can be,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “When families are evacuating from a dangerous fire and first responders are risking their lives, we can’t have criminals exploiting the chaos and devastation. These new laws will allow us to crack down on looters and criminal impersonators.” Governor Gavin Newsom signed companion legislation in Assembly Bill 468 and Senate Bill 571 into law in October. AB 468, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, strengthens penalties for looting during declared emergencies and extends protections into the recovery and rebuilding phase following disasters. SB 571 reinforces penalties for individuals who impersonate firefighters, law enforcement officers, or…
FBI Honors 14 Members of Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force
The Los Angeles Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation formally recognized 14 members of the Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for their outstanding investigative work protecting children and holding offenders accountable. The ceremony was held at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on January 6, 2026. The honorees included investigators, detectives, and computer forensic examiners from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The task force was created in December 2022 through agreements with the FBI and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The collaboration was established in response to the significant increase in children being exposed to online predators and sexual exploitation.
Verizon to Pay $7.7 Million in Statewide Environmental Settlement
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Verizon Wireless will pay $7.7 million to resolve a statewide civil enforcement action involving environmental violations at hundreds of the company’s wireless telecommunication cell towers across Southern California. Beginning in January 2019, violations occurred at numerous Verizon cell towers where hazardous materials and above ground petroleum storage tanks are used to power emergency generators and backup systems. Verizon stores and uses materials such as lead acid batteries and petroleum products at these sites, which require detailed reporting and proper hazardous materials management under California law.