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.
Uber Driver Held to Answer on Rape and Kidnapping Charges
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Simranjit Singh Sekhon (DOB 01/07/90), of Bakersfield, has been held to answer on charges of rape of an unconscious person and kidnapping to commit rape. On April 15, 2026, following testimony by both the victim and the investigating detective, the court found sufficient evidence to hold Sekhon to answer on both counts and aggravating factors. Sekhon is scheduled to be arraigned on the information April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is out of custody after posting $500,000 bond.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko Testifies in Support of AB 2075 to Strengthen Wildfire Prevention Laws
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week before the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources in support of Assembly Bill 2075 (AB 2075), legislation aimed at strengthening wildfire prevention laws and clarifying fire safety requirements during vegetation clearing operations. The bill passed unanimously out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on a 14-0 vote as amended and will now be re-referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Ohio Man Convicted of Committing Forcible Rape While on Vacation in Oxnard
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Baum (01/11/67), of Fairlawn, Ohio, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of forcible rape. An aggravating factor that the crime involved great violence was also found to be true. Deputy District Attorney Julia McAndrew, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case. “This verdict affirms that survivors of sexual violence have the right to be heard, believed, and protected, and that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable,” Ms. McAndrew said. “It is my hope that this outcome brings the victim of this case a meaningful measure of justice.”