The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has been awarded $898,840 from the California Department of Insurance to continue investigating and prosecuting workers’ compensation insurance fraud during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The grant, awarded through the California Department of Insurance Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Program, funds the District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit. This multidisciplinary team includes prosecutors, investigators, an investigative assistant, a forensic accountant, and an administrative assistant who work to combat insurance fraud.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gregory Lide (DOB 11/24/73), of Ventura, has been charged with murder for the shooting death of 34-year-old Brittney Stark. Lide is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance with a firearm. Both are felonies. He faces special allegations, including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm and a strike prior.

Lide made his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court today and his arraignment was continued to July 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13. He remains in custody without bail.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that felony charges have been filed against two Los Angeles men accused of breaking into a Thousand Oaks auto dealership and stealing a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette valued at more than $105,000. John Lene Ivy (DOB 02/06/1987) and Brandon Montel Taylor (DOB 05/15/1997), both of Los Angeles, are each charged with one felony count of unlawful taking of a vehicle and one felony count of second-degree commercial burglary. The men also face several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the loss exceeded $50,000. Ivy is further charged with a prior strike conviction.

“The outstanding work of Ventura County Sheriff’s detectives not only identified the suspects in this case but also led to the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles connected to crimes in other communities,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “This investigation demonstrates how strong police work and regional cooperation can disrupt organized auto theft rings and protect victims well beyond Ventura County.”

Ivy and Taylor pled not guilty at their arraignment. They are scheduled to return to court for an early disposition conference on August 5, 2026. Over the objection of prosecutors, the court released both defendants on their own recognizance.

Fourth Bank Jugging Case Filed in Recent Months

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Francisco Javier Nieto Mosquera (DOB 06/13/81) and Ricardo De Jesus Melendez Rodriguez (DOB 08/19/88), both of Los Angeles County, have been charged in connection with a $14,000 “bank jugging” theft in Thousand Oaks. Both defendants are charged with one felony count of grand theft and three aggravating factors, including the crime involving planning, sophistication, or professionalism, and involved an actual taking of great monetary value.

“This is now the fourth bank jugging case we’ve received in four months, and it’s clear these brazen crimes are becoming an increasingly common tactic used by organized thieves,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “We want the public to stay aware of their surroundings, never leave cash unattended in vehicles, and call law enforcement immediately if you believe someone is following you.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gerardo Rodrigo Vargas (DOB 11/16/80), of Oxnard, pled guilty on July 6, 2026, to one felony count of violation of civil rights stemming from a racially motivated confrontation outside an Oxnard grocery store. Vargas also admitted to several special allegations including a strike prior.

On May 13, 2026, Vargas confronted an African American man outside the Grocery Outlet located at 920 N. Ventura Road in Oxnard. The victim had arrived at the store to shop, and the two men were strangers. As the victim approached the entrance, Vargas quickly stood up, approached him, yelled the N-word multiple times and raised his fists. Vargas continued to threaten the victim, by saying, “I’m gonna f*** you up.” A store employee who knew Vargas intervened and prevented the confrontation from becoming physical.

“Hate crimes have no place in Ventura County,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “No one should be threatened or intimidated because of their race. This resolution holds the defendant accountable while reinforcing our commitment to protecting every member of our community and ensuring victims of hate crimes receive justice.”