The District Attorney’s Office will be closed Monday May 25, 2026 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. DA locations will reopen Tuesday May 26, 2026. 🇺🇸
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Stephen Vincent Chavez (01/17/85), of Moorpark, pled guilty to felony incest and misdemeanor providing alcohol ...to a minor. He also admitted he took advantage of a position of trust and that the victim was particularly vulnerable. Chavez advanced his previously scheduled court date to plead guilty. Chavez faces a maximum of three years in state prison and a requirement to register as a sex offender for 20 years.
“The DA’s office was pleased to see the defendant taken into custody today and will seek the maximum confinement of three years in state prison at sentencing,” said Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty. “Makayla placed her trust and well-being in the defendant’s care, moving from North Carolina to California to start a new life with him. The defendant violated this trust and shattered the father-daughter relationship in an unimaginable way, conduct for which prison is the only appropriate sentence.”
The District Attorney’s Office performed an exhaustive, comprehensive and thorough analysis of whether Chavez could be charged with rape, an analysis that included multiple interviews, additional forensic testing, medical evaluations and an extensive review of electronic evidence. After doing so and convening a team of the office’s top sexual assault prosecutors to review the findings, the District Attorney’s Office is confident that this case was properly charged based upon the law, facts and evidence presented.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4wHbRqo
Project LEAD mock trials continued this week with an amazing 5th grade class from Somis Elementary School stepping into the courtroom to learn about the justice system firsthand.
Students ...took on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and judges and even got a special visit from courthouse dog Star. 🐾
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kristian Fonseca (DOB 10/07/98) has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus ...114 years to life for two first-degree murders and other crimes. A jury found Fonseca guilty on March 20, 2026, of killing Jose Estrada and Daniel Zuniga. Fonseca was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder and one count of being in possession of a firearm less than 10 years after a conviction. All special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including the special circumstance of multiple murders and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.
“Fonseca believed he could avoid capture and accountability for his crimes, but through the dedicated work of Detective Anthony Reginato and our law enforcement partners, justice ultimately caught up with him.” said Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Blake Heller. “This sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life paying for the devastation he caused to these victims, their families, and the community.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4wwgymL
This National Police Week, we recognize and thank the dedicated investigators of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation for their service, professionalism, and commitment to... justice.
Working alongside prosecutors and law enforcement partners throughout the county, our investigators play a critical role in protecting public safety, supporting victims, and pursuing Justice.
We are grateful for their tireless efforts, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Alexander Rodriguez (DOB 08/09/93), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of two felony charges related... to illegal drug sales. Rodriguez was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine for sale and conspiracy to commit a crime. The jury also found true all charged special allegations and aggravating factors, including the crime involving a large quantity of contraband.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4uaxxJR
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Shaohua Sun (DOB 08/20/86), of Monterey Park, CA, and co-defendant Yanwen Gu (DOB 03/20/86) of Rosemead, CA, ...each pled guilty to felony conspiracy to commit elder abuse. Sun and Gu also admitted to multiple overt acts and special allegations including that the manner in which the crime was committed indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism, and that the victim was particularly vulnerable. Prior to entering his guilty plea on May 7, 2026, Sun surrendered $25,000, representing full restitution in this case. Gu pled guilty on May 11, 2026.
“Thanks to the outstanding investigative work and quick coordination by the Ventura Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, these defendants were stopped before they could further exploit a vulnerable senior citizen,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “These scams are designed to prey on fear and isolation, and they can happen to anyone. We encourage families, neighbors, and caregivers to regularly check in with the elderly members of our community and remind them to never hand over money.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4uEqXLm
During National Nurses Week, we want to thank Mara Landa, our Forensic Examiner Coordinator at the Safe Harbor Multidisciplinary Interview Center/Child Advocacy Center, and our incredible team of ...forensic nurses.
They provide trauma informed care and compassionate support to victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and exploitation, helping survivors feel safe, supported, and connected to resources during difficult moments.
Thank you for your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our community. We are grateful for you this week and every day. 💙