Alleged DUI Driver Charged with Murder for Double-Fatal Oxnard Crash
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that David Mora (DOB 06/10/97), of Santa Paula, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and DUI charges for the double-fatal traffic crash that killed Tranquilino Carbrizal Ortiz and Jose Luis Martinez Perez. Mora is charged with DUI causing injury and driving with a .08% blood alcohol causing injury. He also faces several special allegations related to crash, including causing bodily injury or death to more than one victim, great bodily injury in commission of a felony, and drunk driving priors. “This was a horrific and entirely preventable crash that claimed two lives and left others injured,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Driving under the influence is a deadly choice, and when that choice results in the loss of innocent lives, our office will pursue the strongest charges supported by the evidence.”
Ma Family Criminal Enterprise Convicted in Prostitution & Money Laundering Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four members of a family-run criminal enterprise were convicted by a jury for their involvement in the operation of illicit massage businesses, commercial sex operations and the laundering of proceeds through financial institutions, real estate and other assets. The jury found Xiangwei Ma (DOB 07/15/70), Xiangdong Ma (DOB 09/10/72), Li Ma (DOB 02/18/66), and Ming Ma (DOB 10/18/85) guilty of several felony offenses related to the operation of the criminal enterprise. Xiangwei Ma, identified as the head of the organization, was convicted of pimping, mortgage fraud, and nine counts of money laundering. Xiangdong Ma was convicted of pimping and five counts of money laundering. Li Ma was convicted of pimping and one count of money laundering. Ming Ma was convicted of pimping and two counts of money laundering. “We are deeply grateful to the jurors for the extraordinary time, care, and…
Charity Wiley Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Ventura County’s First Fentanyl Murder Conviction
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Charity Faith Wiley (DOB 09/21/85), of Reseda, was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the second-degree murder of Devin Kastler, who died after overdosing on a deadly mixture of fentanyl and xylazine. Wiley previously pled guilty on July 6, 2026, to second-degree murder and five additional felonies related to her drug possession, sales activity, gun possession, and money laundering. She also admitted several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the manner in which the crimes were carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism. “After more than 30 years as a prosecutor, I have rarely encountered someone as organized and sophisticated as Wiley, coupled with such a disregard for human life,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger said. “She was warned that the drugs were killing people and agreed not to sell to Devin. She did it anyway.”
1994 Attack Victim Seeks Justice as Convicted Rapist Faces New Charges
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the filing of felony charges against former Los Angeles Police Department detective and convicted rapist Michael Douglas Brambles (DOB 11/27/48), of Santa Maria, in connection with the 1994 kidnapping for robbery of a Thousand Oaks business owner. At a news conference today, District Attorney Nasarenko and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff detailed the decades-old case, while the victim, identified as SW, courageously spoke publicly about the attack. Brambles is charged with kidnapping to commit robbery while personally using a firearm. The complaint also alleges several aggravating circumstances, including that the crime involved great violence, the victim was particularly vulnerable, the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication or professionalism, and that Brambles engaged in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society. Brambles was arrested August 12 in Santa Maria by District Attorney investigators, with the assistance of…
Ventura County District Attorney Files Civil Environmental Enforcement Action Alleging Unlawful Streambed Alteration Near Santa Paula
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed a civil environmental enforcement action against Guadalupe A. Guzman, the Lupe and Carmen Guzman Revocable Family Trust, Santa Paula Hay and Grain and Ranches, LLC, and related defendants for alleged unlawful streambed alteration, diversion, grading, and pollution activities on multiple ranch properties near Wheeler Canyon Road east of Santa Paula. “The allegations in this case describe significant and permanent damage to Ventura County’s natural landscape,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “According to the complaint, waterways, streambeds, and surrounding habitats were altered in ways that may leave environmental scars for generations. Our office is committed to enforcing California’s environmental protection laws, holding offenders accountable, and forcing bad actors to pay for their alleged natural resources destruction.”
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.
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for 2014 Park Stabbing
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced on April 6, 2026, that Jose Antonio Jimenez (DOB 01/08/94), of Oxnard, has been charged with murder for the 2014 killing of Labh Nigah. Jimenez made an appearance in court and had his arraignment continued to April 28, 2026. “This was an ambush and a brutal crime committed in broad daylight against a completely unsuspecting victim,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “While nothing can undo the harm caused to Mr. Nigah’s family, the arrest and filing of charges represents an important step toward accountability. This case is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement partners and the power of advancing forensic technology to deliver justice, no matter how much time has passed.”
Verizon to Pay $7.7 Million in Statewide Environmental Settlement
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Verizon Wireless will pay $7.7 million to resolve a statewide civil enforcement action involving environmental violations at hundreds of the company’s wireless telecommunication cell towers across Southern California. Beginning in January 2019, violations occurred at numerous Verizon cell towers where hazardous materials and above ground petroleum storage tanks are used to power emergency generators and backup systems. Verizon stores and uses materials such as lead acid batteries and petroleum products at these sites, which require detailed reporting and proper hazardous materials management under California law.
Sanctuary Ordered to Pay Penalties for Housing Exotic Animals Without Permit
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County Superior Court has approved a stipulated judgment resolving violations committed by Born to Be Free, Inc., an animal sanctuary operating in Frazier Park, for the unpermitted possession of multiple restricted species. The judgment imposes a permanent injunction, civil penalties, and reimbursement of investigative costs to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “This judgment reinforces the importance of California’s restricted species requirements and the responsibility that comes with caring for exotic animals,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Our office is grateful for the partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and for the thorough work that led to this resolution.”
Settlement Reached in Unlawful Propane Disposal at Oxnard Recycling Center
An investigation by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has determined that a hazardous propane release at the City of Oxnard Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station originated from an improperly disposed tank by ModVans Inc., a manufacturer of recreational vehicles. “This incident serves as a reminder that improper disposal of hazardous materials can put workers, first responders, and the public at serious risk,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Proper training and adherence to hazardous waste regulations are critical to preventing dangerous situations like this.”