In a joint news conference held on January 18, 2023, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff discuss the murder of Jose Velasquez and the 11 felony charges filed against Rotherie Foster for the crime.
News Releases
Man Charged with Rape for Violent Sexual Assault at a Ventura Park
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jannier Misael Urbina-Avila (DOB 02/02/93), of Ventura, has been charged with forcible rape, kidnapping to commit rape, and assault with intent to commit rape for the sexual assault that occurred at Kellogg Park on November 9, 2025. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors,… Read More
Office of Traffic Safety Awards $585,000 for Specialized DUI Prosecution Team
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support a specialized prosecution team that handles alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases. The grant program runs through September 2026. “We remain firmly committed to protecting our community from impaired driving,” Chief Deputy… Read More
Fillmore Man Convicted of Molesting Multiple Victims
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Zavala (DOB 06/13/85), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of four felony counts of sexual abuse against two minor victims. Zavala was found guilty of three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Several special allegations were… Read More
Simi Valley Man Charged with Lewd Acts on Two Teen Victims
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jabari Emil DeShields (DOB 08/15/89), of Simi Valley, has been charged with five counts of lewd acts upon a child with the special allegation that the two victims were vulnerable. DeShields made his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court today and pled not guilty to all charges.… Read More
District Attorney Closes Criminal Review of Balcom & Mountain Fires
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is announcing today that it has concluded its review of the Balcom and Mountain Fires, finding no criminal liability for the October 30, 2024, and November 6, 2024, incidents. “As prosecutors, we focus on the question of criminal responsibility, but we recognize that no legal finding can undo the… Read More
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Ventura County District Attorney and Sheriff Joint Press Conference January 18, 2023
Family Justice Center Restraining Order Workshop
The Ventura County Family Justice Center is holding a new restraining order workshop for those in need. Demand for this service has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. The workshops will be three days a week. Two days in English and one day in Spanish.
If you need help or information between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, call us at (805) 652-7655, text us at (805) 947-7981, or email vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Centro de Justicia Familiar – Taller de órdenes de restricción contra la Violencia Doméstica
El Centro de Justicia Familiar del Condado de Ventura está organizando un nuevo taller sobre órdenes de restricción para los necesitados. La demanda de este servicio se ha disparado durante los años de la pandemia. Los talleres serán tres días a la semana. Dos días en Inglés y un día en Español.
Si necesita ayuda o información entre las 8:00 am y las 5:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, llámenos al (805) 652-7655, envíenos un mensaje de texto al (805) 947-7981 o envíe un correo electrónico a vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Notable Cases
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodney Rey Yanez (DOB 03/11/69), of Oxnard, has been charged with the second-degree murder of Dylan Rusch. This marks the first time the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a defendant who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug, fentanyl, to a victim who overdosed…
2013 People v. Kenneth Powell, Katie Rose, and Paul Lascola
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted one of the largest real estate investment fraud schemes uncovered in the county involving victim losses exceeding $3 million.
2012 People v. Calvin Sharp
In August 2007, Calvin Sharp chased down, attacked, and brutally killed a 6-year-old boy, Sev’n Molina, with a meat cleaver. When Sev’n’s mother, Sandra Ruiz, tried to stop the attack, Sharp attacked her as well, causing major life-long injuries. A neighbor, Diane Cox, also attempted to intervene and suffered serious injuries at the hands of…
Public Reports
November 7, 2024
Report on the April 7, 2023, shooting of Cristian Baltazar-Torres by Oxnard Police Officer Jarrod Sheffield.
May 28, 2024
Report on the March 12, 2023, shooting of Adam Barcenas by Oxnard Police Department Officer Shayn Schwartz.
May 28, 2024
Report on the April 28, 2022, shooting of Derrick Padilla by Simi Valley Police Department Senior Officer David Maupin and Officer Daniel Stradling