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 involved both attempted and actual taking, and was carried out with planning, sophistication, or professionalism. The case was investigated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Joann Roth. If convicted, Slatky faces a maximum sentence of six years and four months in state prison. The enhancement, if found true, makes a prison sentence mandatory.
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 to commit the crime and the victim being particularly vulnerable. “This is an unimaginable tragedy for a family that has already endured so much,” Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell said. “While nothing can undo the loss of Zayde, this resolution spares his loved ones from having to relive these horrific events through a lengthy and painful jury trial.” Sharp is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail and faces 15 years to life in state…
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 survivors, located just steps from the comprehensive, trauma-informed services available at the FJC.
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 great violence and the victim was particularly vulnerable. Koznar agreed to the stipulated sentence of 11 years in state prison in exchange for his guilty plea.
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 scheme. Gu and Sun were arraigned on March 23, 2026, and pleaded not guilty. Gu and Sun are scheduled for an early disposition conference on April 2, 2026, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Both Gu and Sun are currently in custody on $500,000 bail. The court also granted a motion to examine any source of bail tendered on behalf of the defendants to ensure it did not come from alleged criminal proceeds. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Dominic Kardum of the Fraud and…
Groundskeeper Charged with Felony Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Kenneth Judd (DOB 04/08/57), of Simi Valley, has been charged with three counts of felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Judd was arraigned on the information on March 18, 2026, and is scheduled for a pretrial conference hearing on April 13, 2026, in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is out of custody on his own recognizance.
Oxnard Man Sentenced to State Prison for Domestic Violence, High-Speed Chase, and Vehicle Theft
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jordan Corrales (DOB 12/29/01), of Oxnard, was sentenced on March 25, 2026, to seven years and four months in state prison after being convicted by a jury in two separate cases involving vehicle theft, domestic violence, and a high-speed pursuit. “We are pleased that the jury reached a swift and decisive verdict,” Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Horlick said. “It reflects the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of the offense. The sentence imposed sends a clear message that these crimes will not be treated lightly. In this case, upper term was appropriate given the facts and the defendant’s criminal history, to ensure accountability and protect the community.”
CarMax to Pay $1.1 Million to Resolve Consumer Protection Lawsuit
A Santa Clara County judge has ordered CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. to pay $1.1 million to resolve a consumer protection action alleging the company failed to timely transfer vehicle registrations and ownership documents for used car buyers across California. The settlement resolves a civil enforcement lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court by the District Attorney’s Offices of Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties. Prosecutors alleged that CarMax violated California law by failing to submit applications to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the statutory deadlines and failing to timely deliver certificates of ownership to consumers.
Oxnard Man Convicted in Double-Murder & Separate Shooting
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98), of Oxnard, has been convicted of two first-degree murder charges and other crimes. A jury found Fonseca guilty of killing Jose Estrada and Daniel Zuniga. Fonseca was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder and one count of being in possession of a firearm less than 10 years after a conviction. All special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including the special circumstance of multiple murders and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. “Justice in this case took time, but the victims’ families never lost faith in the process,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Blake Heller, who prosecuted the case. “They showed tremendous patience and strength in the face of unimaginable loss. We are grateful to the jury for…
Second Murder Charge Added Against Mother in Infant Death Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that prosecutors have filed an amended complaint against Marisol Flores (DOB 09/11/95), of Oxnard, adding charges related to a second alleged infant homicide. The amended complaint filed March 10, 2026, in Ventura County Superior Court, adds one count of murder and one count of assault on a child causing death stemming from the alleged 2015 death of an infant. Flores was previously charged in connection with the alleged February 8, 2026, killing of her newborn baby at a homeless encampment along West Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard. During the investigation into the 2026 case, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reopened a previous investigation into the November 2015 death of Flores’ 25-day-old baby. New evidence was uncovered that led investigating deputies to believe Flores had killed that infant as well.