In a joint news conference held on January 18, 2023, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff discuss the murder of Jose Velasquez and the 11 felony charges filed against Rotherie Foster for the crime.
News Releases
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… Read More
Newbury Park Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder of Vulnerable Teen
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zuberi Kalaikulokahiokalani Sharp (DOB 03/26/00), of Newbury Park, pled guilty on March 30, 2026, to second-degree murder in the killing of his 15-year-old half-brother, Zayde. Sharp also admitted the special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury and the aggravating factors of using a weapon… Read More
Ribbon Cutting for New Domestic Violence Shelter at Family Justice Center
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and Coalition for Family Harmony will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 6, 2026, to mark the opening of a new domestic violence shelter at the Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC). This critical expansion adds 10 shelter spaces and provides a 15-to 20-day safe housing option for… Read More
Moorpark Man Pleads Guilty to Causing Girlfriend’s Death
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that William Justin Koznar (DOB 04/27/88), of Moorpark, has pled guilty to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter for the death of Sara Marie Goodwin. The change of plea hearing was held on March 24, 2026. Koznar also admitted to the special allegations of the crime involving… Read More
Felony Charges Filed in Complex Fraud Scam Targeting Elderly
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the filing of felony charges against Yanwen Gu (DOB 03/20/86) of Rosemead, CA, and Shaohua Sun (DOB 08/20/86) of Monterey Park, CA. Gu and Sun have been charged with multiple felonies including conspiracy to commit grand theft and attempted grand theft for their alleged roles in an elder fraud… Read More
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Ventura County District Attorney and Sheriff Joint Press Conference January 18, 2023
Family Justice Center Restraining Order Workshop
The Ventura County Family Justice Center is holding a new restraining order workshop for those in need. Demand for this service has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. The workshops will be three days a week. Two days in English and one day in Spanish.
If you need help or information between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, call us at (805) 652-7655, text us at (805) 947-7981, or email vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Centro de Justicia Familiar – Taller de órdenes de restricción contra la Violencia Doméstica
El Centro de Justicia Familiar del Condado de Ventura está organizando un nuevo taller sobre órdenes de restricción para los necesitados. La demanda de este servicio se ha disparado durante los años de la pandemia. Los talleres serán tres días a la semana. Dos días en Inglés y un día en Español.
Si necesita ayuda o información entre las 8:00 am y las 5:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, llámenos al (805) 652-7655, envíenos un mensaje de texto al (805) 947-7981 o envíe un correo electrónico a vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Notable Cases
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodney Rey Yanez (DOB 03/11/69), of Oxnard, has been charged with the second-degree murder of Dylan Rusch. This marks the first time the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a defendant who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug, fentanyl, to a victim who overdosed…
2013 People v. Kenneth Powell, Katie Rose, and Paul Lascola
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted one of the largest real estate investment fraud schemes uncovered in the county involving victim losses exceeding $3 million.
2012 People v. Calvin Sharp
In August 2007, Calvin Sharp chased down, attacked, and brutally killed a 6-year-old boy, Sev’n Molina, with a meat cleaver. When Sev’n’s mother, Sandra Ruiz, tried to stop the attack, Sharp attacked her as well, causing major life-long injuries. A neighbor, Diane Cox, also attempted to intervene and suffered serious injuries at the hands of…
Public Reports
January 28, 2026
The Public Integrity Unit of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has completedits review of the July 24, 2025, in-custody death of Mauricio Mateo Cuevas.
November 7, 2024
Report on the April 7, 2023, shooting of Cristian Baltazar-Torres by Oxnard Police Officer Jarrod Sheffield.
May 28, 2024
Report on the March 12, 2023, shooting of Adam Barcenas by Oxnard Police Department Officer Shayn Schwartz.