NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gerardo Rodrigo Vargas (DOB 11/16/80), of Oxnard, pled guilty on July 6, 2026, to one felony count of violation ...of civil rights stemming from a racially motivated confrontation outside an Oxnard grocery store. Vargas also admitted to several special allegations including a strike prior.
On May 13, 2026, Vargas confronted an African American man outside the Grocery Outlet located at 920 N. Ventura Road in Oxnard. The victim had arrived at the store to shop, and the two men were strangers. As the victim approached the entrance, Vargas quickly stood up, approached him, yelled the N-word multiple times and raised his fists. Vargas continued to threaten the victim, by saying, “I’m gonna f*** you up.” A store employee who knew Vargas intervened and prevented the confrontation from becoming physical.
“Hate crimes have no place in Ventura County,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “No one should be threatened or intimidated because of their race. This resolution holds the defendant accountable while reinforcing our commitment to protecting every member of our community and ensuring victims of hate crimes receive justice.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4ydyYtd
🚗 Slow down. Save lives.
Speeding is one of the leading causes of deadly crashes, reducing your time to react and increasing the severity of collisions.
This July and beyond, law... enforcement agencies across Ventura County are stepping up enforcement to keep our roads safe.
✔️ Leave a little earlier.
✔️ Obey posted speed limits.
✔️ Slow down for traffic, weather, and road conditions.
✔️ Avoid aggressive driving.
Every trip is worth taking safely. Safe speeds save lives.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the District Attorney’s Office has filed a juvenile petition alleging eight counts against a minor who ...allegedly led Ventura Police officers on a dangerous pursuit through city streets, onto State Route 126, and across the Buena High School campus while riding a e-motorcycle.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4ybdHQQ
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Charity Faith Wiley (DOB 09/21/85), of Reseda, has pled guilty to second-degree murder for the death of a Simi Valley man. ...Wiley sold a deadly synthetic drug mixture of fentanyl and xylazine to the victim who overdosed and died. She also pled guilty to five additional felonies related to her drug possession, sales activity, gun possession, and money laundering. Wiley also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the manner in which the crimes were carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that fentanyl dealers will be held accountable for the lives they destroy,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This is the first murder conviction in Ventura County stemming from a fentanyl overdose, and it reflects our commitment to pursuing every appropriate legal avenue against those who knowingly distribute this deadly drug.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/44Q3s76
Please join us in welcoming our newest District Attorney Investigator, Chris Vorzimer.
Today, Investigator Vorzimer was sworn in by District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and received his flat ...badge from Bureau Chief Scott Whitney. He joins the Ventura County District Attorney's Office after serving with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
Welcome to the team, Investigator Vorzimer!
Congratulations to CSU Channel Islands Police Chief Drake Massey on your retirement!
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Bureau Chief Scott Whitney visited Chief Massey and thanked him for ...his years of dedicated service and leadership. We wish him all the best in this well-earned next chapter and thank him for his commitment to keeping the CSU Channel Islands community safe.
Enjoy your retirement, Chief! 👏
🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day, Ventura County! 🎆
From all of us at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Fourth of July.
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As you celebrate, make safety part of your plans. If you're drinking, don't drive. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare, or arrange a safe ride home. And remember, leave the fireworks to the professionals. Public fireworks shows are the safest way to celebrate while helping prevent injuries and fires.
Have a fun, safe, and memorable Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙
Safe speeds, save lives. SLOW DOWN
