Final Defendant Sentenced in Sophisticated Simi Valley Burglary Crew Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the final defendant in a sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a multi-million dollar heist in Simi Valley has been sentenced.At the end of April, Sergio Andres Mejia-Machuca (DOB 06/07/98) was sentenced to five years eight months in state prison. With this sentencing, all four members of the burglary crew have now been held accountable for their roles in the coordinated commercial burglaries targeting 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop. In addition, Mejia-Machuca was sentenced for his role in the burglary of Simi Valley Pawn Brokers that occurred two days before the heist at 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair.“These were sophisticated and professional commercial burglars, but they met their match with the Simi Valley Police Department,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “All four defendants have now been held accountable for their brazen behavior, bringing to an end…
Man Convicted of Hate Crimes After Terrorizing Couple with Racial Slurs and Knife
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George Pierce (DOB 08/30/53), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of multiple felony hate crimes and related offenses stemming from a racially motivated attack made against a black couple in Ventura. The jury found Pierce guilty of felony criminal threats, attempted second degree commercial burglary, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and a violation of civil rights. The jury also found true the hate crime allegations attached to the criminal threats and attempted burglary charges, as well as weapon-use enhancements. Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case. “This hate crime undermined the sense of safety the victims and our community deserve to feel in Ventura County,” Ms. Moyer said. “This verdict helps restore peace of mind not only for the victims, but for our citizens, while sending a…
Moorpark Man Sentenced to Prison for Causing Girlfriend’s Death
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that William Justin Koznar (DOB 04/27/88), of Moorpark, was sentenced on May 5, 2026, to 11 years in state prison for causing the death of Sara Marie Goodwin. Koznar previously pled guilty on March 24, 2026, to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. Koznar also admitted to the special allegations of the crime involving great violence and the victim was particularly vulnerable.
Oxnard Man Pleads Guilty to Luring Minor Through Social Media
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Miguel De Jesus Marquez (DOB 07/20/00), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 4, 2026, to one felony count of luring, for his conduct while communicating with a minor on social media. “This case is a stark reminder that social media can be used to exploit and manipulate minors,” Deputy District Attorney Morgan Luna said. “Parents and guardians need to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives, know who they’re communicating with, monitor their apps, and have ongoing conversations about online safety.”
Alnaji Pleads Guilty to All Counts and Allegations in Manslaughter Death of Paul Kessler
VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, pled guilty today to all counts and allegations related to the death of Paul Kessler. Alnaji pled guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and felony battery causing serious bodily injury. He admitted the special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury. Alnaji also admitted aggravating factors that he used a weapon and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
Newbury Park Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Murder of Vulnerable Teen
VENTURA Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zuberi Kalaikulokahiokalani Sharp (DOB 03/26/00), of Newbury Park, was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the second-degree murder of his 15-year-old half-brother, Zayde.
Britney Spears Pleads Guilty to Reckless Driving Involving Alcohol and Drugs
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that Britney Spears resolved her DUI case at her first court appearance today, May 4, 2026, in Ventura County Superior Court. Prosecutors originally filed one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At arraignment this morning, the case was resolved with a plea to reckless driving involving alcohol and an impairing drug. Ms. Spears’ attorney appeared for her and entered the guilty plea on her behalf. This resolution is consistent with standard prosecutorial practice in cases involving defendants with no prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and no collision or injuries. “Ms. Spears took responsibility for this misdemeanor offense, entering a guilty plea at the earliest stage and two months from the day she was arrested,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and doing so recklessly and erratically is an…
Thousand Oaks Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Baseball Bat Assault & Hate Crime
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Javier Gomez (DOB 11/22/05), of Thousand Oaks, pled guilty on April 27, 2026, in Ventura County Superior Court for a racially-motivated baseball bat attack on an African American man. Gomez pled guilty to one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. He also admitted all aggravating factors and charged special allegations, including the gang allegation, hate crime allegation and causing great bodily injury. “The victim and his wife showed tremendous courage by testifying at the preliminary hearing and confronting hate head on,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “Our community will not tolerate hate-fueled violence or gang-related intimidation.” Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is expected to be sentenced to five years in state prison.
Former School Counselor Held to Answer on All Charges in Child Molestation Case Involving 15 Victims
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that David Lane Braff Jr. (DOB 05/28/82), of Thousand Oaks, has been held to answer on all charges following a preliminary hearing in Ventura County Superior Court. The judge found sufficient evidence for Braff to stand trial on 33 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14, related to 15 victims. The charges carry special allegations that Braff committed offenses against multiple victims, took advantage of a position of trust, targeted particularly vulnerable victims, and committed the crimes with planning and sophistication.
Military Equipment Annual Reports & Community Presentation
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation will be hosting a community presentation to share required annual military equipment reports with the public. All Ventura County residents are welcome to attend. The Military Equipment Annual Reports for both agencies are available on our websites: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (sheriff.venturacounty.gov)Policies and Procedures – Ventura County District Attorney (DA.VenturaCounty.gov) Community Presentation Details:Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026Where: Camarillo Police Department – 3701 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010When: 2:00 p.m.