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District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George Ronald Russell (DOB 11/11/56), formerly of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced to four years in state prison. After a jury was selected in October 2024, he pled guilty to 18 felony counts related to an investment scheme, including grand theft from an elder, grand theft of more than $500,000, attempted grand theft, and money laundering. As part of his guilty plea, Russell paid $600,000 in restitution to his victims. Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case. “Mr. Russell did not just steal money, he destroyed victims’ health, relationships, and trust in others,” Mr. Wise said. “While he deserved a much longer prison sentence for his conduct, everyone involved recognized securing immediate and substantial restitution for the victims was a priority.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Makare Darnell Toliver (DOB 04/07/03), of Lancaster, was sentenced to 12 years state prison. Toliver previously pled guilty on November 21, 2024, to assault with a semiautomatic firearm, second degree robbery, grand theft of a firearm, evading an officer causing death, and fleeing the scene of an accident involving death. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the personal use of a firearm and that the crime involved great violence.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Anthony Madrid (DOB 07/06/97), of Oxnard, was sentenced on December 20, 2024, to 85 days in Ventura County Jail and two years formal probation. He previously pled guilty to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud.

If you are giving or receiving a gift card this holiday season, make sure you know your rights! California law offers important protections for gift card holders and purchasers, ensuring fairness and transparency in how gift cards can be used and redeemed.

The City of Thousand Oaks has been identified by the District Attorney’s Office as the city best suited for the location of the East County Family Justice Center (FJC). District Attorney Erik Nasarenko made the announcement at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting. “The key imperative here is to bring services to our east county to assist victims who are experiencing trauma and debilitating crimes,” District Attorney Nasarenko told the Board. “One of the core principles that we are establishing through the regionalization of the Family Justice Center is removing transportation barriers and maximizing access.” The East County FJC in Thousand Oaks will join Ventura and Oxnard to become the third crime victims support services center in the county.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Antonio Canseco (DOB 09/30/71), of Simi Valley, was convicted by a jury of two felony counts of lewd acts upon a child. The jury found true the special allegations of Canseco committing substantial sexual conduct. The remaining aggravating factors including taking advantage of a position of trust and the victim being vulnerable were found true by the judge. Canseco is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains free on bail pending sentencing and faces a maximum of 10 years in state prison.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed a juvenile petition against a 17-year-old from Simi Valley. The minor is facing a total of 22 felony counts for possession or control of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), distribution and possession with intent to distribute CSAM to an adult, and using a minor for sex acts. The minor is also charged with two special allegations of possessing more than 600 CSAM images and that the images include sado-masochistic acts.

Tonight, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will once again light its Hall of Justice building in red to demonstrate solidarity with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and their mission to eliminate impaired driving. By joining landmarks and buildings across California in the Illuminate California campaign, the District Attorney’s Office aims to send a message of unity, remembrance, and a commitment to safer roads. “We are proud to stand with MADD and communities across the state in shining a light on the dangers of impaired driving,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This display serves as a reminder to make responsible choices so no more lives are needlessly lost.”