Gang Member Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy Orchestrated from Prison
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Omar Hernandez Ruiz (DOB 07/27/87), of Santa Paula, was sentenced on September 17, 2025, to 35 years to life in state prison pursuant to California’s three strikes law. Ruiz previously pled guilty on August 18, 2025, to one felony count of conspiracy to transport or sell methamphetamine. He also admitted all special allegations and aggravating factors, including strike priors and committing the crime for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang. Ruiz, a prison gang member, was incarcerated at the California State Prison, Centinela at the time of these crimes. He is already serving 156 years to life in prison for a 2013 Santa Paula murder and assault on a peace officer. “The complex criminal enterprise that Ruiz was running from prison underscores the threat to public safety he presents even while incarcerated,” said…
Oxnard Man Charged with Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gonzalo Robles Zurita (DOB 10/10/88), of Oxnard, has been charged with felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud for allegedly claiming that an arm injury he received in 2022 occurred at his place of employment. He is also charged with one felony count of attempted perjury under oath for statements made during a sworn deposition regarding the arm injury. Zurita made his first court appearance on September 11, 2025, where he pled not guilty to all charges.
Bill Empowering DAs to Seek Gun Violence Restraining Orders Reaches Governor
Assembly Bill 1344, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, successfully passed out of the State Assembly on Monday, September 8, and now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for consideration. The bill would authorize a pilot program allowing district attorneys in select counties to directly petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), commonly referred to as “Red Flag Laws.” “When someone poses an imminent threat of violence to themselves or others by having a firearm, gun violence restraining orders can be a lifesaving tool,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Local prosecutors are uniquely qualified to assist law enforcement in obtaining these restraining orders and AB 1344 gives us the legal authority to step in and prevent tragedy before it happens. I urge the Governor to sign Assemblymember Irwin’s sensible bill into law.”
City of Thousand Oaks Building Inspector Charged in Bribery Conspiracy
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ray Allan Villanueva III (DOB 10/21/66) of Moorpark, and Jimmy Daniel Coronado (DOB 09/12/81) of Oxnard, have been charged with bribery for soliciting a bribe from a contractor in return for a building permit in the City of Thousand Oaks. Villanueva is a Building Inspector for the City of Thousand Oaks. Both men were arrested today by Investigators with the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation. “City employees must serve the public honestly, not try to profit from their position,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “When someone is alleged to have abused their authority, it hurts trust in local government, undermines public safety, and shakes our confidence that the permitting process is fair and impartial.”