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 Pleads Guilty to Carrying Unregistered, Loaded Gun at Port of Hueneme
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Shannon David Rudman (DOB 05/15/66) pled guilty on August 12, 2025, to carrying a loaded firearm on his person and a special allegation that he was not the registered owner of the firearm. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Rudman entered the Port of… Read More
District Attorney’s 10th Annual Camp Hope Empowers Child Victims of Crime
Last week child victims of domestic violence and abuse gathered at Camp Daley in Calabasas for the 10th annual Camp Hope. Nearly 60 Ventura County children spanning from ages seven to seventeen attended the five night and six day summer camp. Campers took part in classic camp activities including swimming, arts and crafts, archery, wall… Read More
Four LA County Men Arraigned in Large-Scale Narcotics Trafficking Case
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four men have been charged and arraigned in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation accused of delivering fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine into Ventura County. Read More
Gang Member Charged in Drug Conspiracy Orchestrated from Prison
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Omar Hernandez Ruiz (DOB 07/27/87), of Santa Paula, has been charged with conspiracy to transport methamphetamine. Ruiz also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including committing the crime for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang. Ruiz was… Read More
Port Hueneme Man Convicted of Attempted Murder with Firearm Enhancement
On July 31, 2025, a Ventura County jury found Gabriel Torres (DOB 04/02/04), of Port Hueneme, guilty of attempted murder. The jury also found true the special allegation that Torres personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the crime, as well as allegations that he inflicted great bodily injury, committed the offense with great violence,… 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