Last week, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office partnered with GIFFORDS to host the Safer Together GVRO Symposium, bringing together prosecutors, city attorneys, law enforcement, and ...policy experts to strengthen how Gun Violence Restraining Orders are used to prevent firearm violence.
The training focused on implementing AB 1344, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, which allows district attorneys in select counties to directly petition courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders as part of a pilot program.
Through presentations, panel discussions, and audience collaboration, participants shared best practices and identified ways to ensure this prevention tool is used effectively to keep our communities safe.
Last week we welcomed partners from the Ventura County Community Foundation to the new Domestic Violence Shelter at the Family Justice Center for a tour.
Staff, board members, and donors ...from the Foundation helped make a major improvement possible by funding the pallet shelters and pallet restroom at the DV Shelter. Their support is helping us expand safe, dignified space for survivors in Ventura County.
We’re grateful for partners who invest in the safety and well-being of our community. 💜
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Willis Nichols (DOB 03/15/03), of Oxnard, has been convicted of seven felony charges stemming from two separate ...shootings in Oxnard in December 2021 and March 2022, including the first-degree murder of Adrian Sandoval. The jury found Nichols guilty of first-degree murder, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, attempted murder, and three counts of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle.
“We appreciate the jury’s hard work in carefully considering the evidence involving six victims across seven charges and the related allegations,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara said. “Willis Nichols has shown a pattern of serious criminal behavior, and we will be seeking a sentence that reflects the severity of the crimes he committed.”
Nichols is scheduled to be sentenced on April 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail and faces 159 years to life in state prison. Due to his age at the time of the crime, California law will provide this convicted murderer with a chance at youthful offender parole after just 24 years in prison.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/40jTSY3
🚨 Stop & Think: Scam Awareness 🚨
Scammers rely on panic and urgency to get you to send money. If someone pressures you to pay for any of the following, it’s a major red flag:
...
• Fixing a “virus” on your computer
• Helping a grandchild or loved one supposedly in trouble
• Sending money to an online romantic partner
• A “high-yield” investment opportunity
• Being told to lie to your bank or keep the payment secret
Remember: Law enforcement and government agencies will never demand payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards. Not for bail. Not for fines. Not for warrants.
Take a moment to 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙮 before sending money.
#NationalConsumerProtectionWeek #ScamAwareness #FraudPrevention
PAROLE DENIED❗
Tekquan Alexander, serving life in prison for beating and torturing his four-year-old daughter Alani into a permanent vegetative state, was denied parole today. He will not be ...eligible for another hearing for five years.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly addressed the parole board and several members of Alani's family were present to ensure her voice was heard.
Alani remains paralyzed and requires round the clock care. Today’s decision keeps her abuser where he belongs, in prison.
"Nothing can undo the harm done to this child, and no sentence will ever be enough," Ms. Kelly said. "But knowing the victim is safe and the defendant will remain accountable for the next five years provides some reassurance that justice is being served."
After 25 years of dedicated service to Ventura County, Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise has retired.
Before joining our office, Howard spent more than a decade prosecuting cases ...in the Boston area with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. He brought that experience and commitment to public service to Ventura County, where he served with integrity and professionalism.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko presented Howard with a plaque in recognition of his years of service and contributions to public safety.
We thank Howard for his decades of public service and wish him a well-earned retirement.
🚨 Scam Alert!
It’s not just fake text messages about toll violations anymore.
Southern California residents have reported receiving a document titled “CA Superior Court ...Notice of Civil Infraction Hearing.” The notice appears official and may demand payment related to a supposed court matter. 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐦.
One major red flag: the notice directs recipients to pay using a QR code.
During National Consumer Protection Week, remember:
• Be skeptical of unexpected legal notices
• Do not scan QR codes or click links tied to payment demands
• Do not send money or share personal information
• Verify directly with the court using a trusted, official website or phone number
Chief Deputy District Attorney Kevin Drescher visited Mound Elementary School in Ventura, celebrating Read Across America with a fantastic second grade class. He shared a story, showed students his ...Chief Deputy DA badge, and talked about what it means to serve our community as a prosecutor.
Thank you to the students and staff at Mound for the warm welcome and the great questions.