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NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that The Kroger Co. will pay $1.25 million to resolve a civil enforcement action alleging violations of California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law arising from inaccurate calorie information advertised on several Kroger-branded bread products.
The lawsuit was jointly prosecuted and investigated by the District Attorneys’ Offices of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Riverside Counties following an investigation into calorie representations on five varieties of Kroger’s Carbmaster bread products, including white, wheat, and multi-seed breads, as well as hamburger and hot dog buns. The products were sold online and at Kroger-owned Ralphs, Food 4 Less, and Foods Co. stores throughout California.
READ MORE: bit.ly/4ohRNXQ
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NEWS RELEASE: Santa Paula Farm Labor Contractor Held to Answer for Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Juana Patricia Barajas (DOB 08/01/71), of Santa Paula, has been held to answer on all charges, following a preliminary hearing, related to workers’ compensation insurance fraud, grand theft, and operating without required workers’ compensation insurance coverage while running Barajas Farm Labor Contracting. Barajas is charged with two counts of workers’ compensation insurance fraud, two counts of failure to secure workers’ compensation insurance, and one count of grand theft.
The charges stem from allegations that Barajas underreported employee payroll information to workers’ compensation insurance carriers and operated her farm labor contracting business without legally required insurance coverage for portions of 2021 through 2023.
READ MORE: bit.ly/4eafUCS
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NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George Pierce (DOB 08/30/53), of Oxnard, was sentenced on June 4, 2026, to three years four months in state prison for a hate crime attack made against a black couple in Ventura. Pierce was previously convicted by a jury on May 7, 2026, of felony criminal threats, attempted second degree commercial burglary, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and a violation of civil rights. The jury also found true the hate crime allegations attached to the criminal threats and attempted burglary charges, as well as weapon-use enhancements.
“No one should be threatened, terrorized, or targeted because of who they are,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This state prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the conduct and sends a clear message that hate motivated crimes will not be tolerated in Ventura County.”
READ MORE: bit.ly/4xaPABn
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NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Jelaniwarren Joseph (DOB 04/14/00), of Woodland Hills, was sentenced on May 27, 2026, to seven years in state prison for selling counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” pills containing fentanyl to Ventura County residents. Joseph previously pled guilty on January 12, 2026, to two felony counts of selling and transporting fentanyl and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors including the involvement of a large quantity of contraband and a prior strike offense.
Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) detectives discovered that Joseph was allegedly using social media to advertise illicit fentanyl pills. Through undercover operations and surveillance, investigators determined he had an established customer base in Ventura County.
“This case is an example of the important work being done by VC FOCUS and our law enforcement partners to keep fentanyl out of Ventura County,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger said. “Every seizure of these deadly counterfeit pills has the potential to save lives.”
READ MORE: bit.ly/4vRzFqr
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Lying on an auto insurance claim is fraud. It is a felony with serious penalties including jail time and heavy fines.
Help keep insurance costs lower for everyone. Report suspected fraud to our Auto Insurance Fraud Unit at 805-662-1750.
#autoinsurancefraud #ReportFraud #VenturaCountyDA
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June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
Elder abuse isn't always physical. Financial scams and fraud can devastate older adults, costing them their savings, independence, and peace of mind.
Protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or mail urging immediate action.
• Never share personal information, passwords, or PINs.
• Slow down. Scammers use urgency to create panic.
• Hang up, delete, and verify before responding.
• Report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately.
Awareness is prevention. Help protect Ventura County's seniors from financial exploitation.
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