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: https://bit.ly/4eafUCS
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: https://bit.ly/4xaPABn
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: https://bit.ly/4vRzFqr
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
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.
Today, members of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office proudly joined the Law Enforcement Torch Run alongside the Ventura Police Department and the FBI, carrying the Flame of Hope from ...Ventura City Hall through downtown Ventura to the pier in support of Special Olympics athletes. The Law Enforcement Torch Run raises awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes and their achievements.
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Frank Leslie Blessing (DOB 06/26/67), of Simi Valley, has been charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from a violent ...incident that resulted in significant property damage and the attempted murder of a police officer. Blessing is charged with one count of attempted murder of a peace officer, one count of assault upon a peace officer, three counts of felony vandalism, and two counts of battery on a peace officer or nurse. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon, and the crime involved great violence. Blessing made his first court appearance on June 1, 2026, where his arraignment was continued. Judge Paul Feldman called the alleged conduct “egregious” and held Blessing in custody with no bail after prosecutors successfully argued he remains a danger to the community.
“The allegations describe a deliberate and escalating series of violent acts,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Using a car to allegedly attempt to murder a police officer is a heinous act that requires the strongest of consequences.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3S2zGJc
State Route 126 is one of Ventura County’s busiest and most dangerous roadways.
A few extra miles per hour can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
Slow down on... State Route 126. Safe speeds save lives.
More than 1,000 people attended last week’s Reiter Affiliated Companies Employee Resource Fair, where Investigative Assistants Aimee Spriggs and Michelle Serrano proudly represented our office.
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They connected with community members, shared information about our services, and highlighted resources available through our Child Abduction & Recovery Unit (CARU). Thank you to Reiter Affiliated Companies for hosting this great event and to Aimee and Michelle for their outstanding outreach efforts!