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. 💙
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Gonzalez-Arteaga (DOB 05/13/81), of Oxnard, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of ...parole (LWOP), along with additional consecutive prison terms totaling more than 91 years to life. Gonzalez-Arteaga was previously convicted by a jury on April 9, 2026, of six felony counts related to the molestation and rape of a child.
“The sentence imposed today reflects the devastating and lifelong harm caused by the defendant’s actions,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore said. “Even after being convicted, the defendant has refused to accept responsibility, continuing instead to blame the child he abused in a demonstration of his complete lack of remorse and accountability.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3RhH6b7
Last month, Investigative Assistant Aimee Spriggs represented our office at the Oxnard School District’s inaugural College and Career Fair at R.J. Frank Jr. High School.
Aimee presented to... three full classes of engaged and curious students eager to learn about careers in law, public service, and the criminal justice system.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the final defendant in a sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a multi-million dollar heist in Simi ...Valley has been sentenced.
At the end of April, Sergio Andres Mejia-Machuca (DOB 06/07/98) was sentenced to five years eight months in state prison. With this sentencing, all four members of the burglary crew have now been held accountable for their roles in the coordinated commercial burglaries targeting 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop.
In addition, Mejia-Machuca was sentenced for his role in the burglary of Simi Valley Pawn Brokers that occurred two days before the heist at 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair.
“These were sophisticated and professional commercial burglars, but they met their match with the Simi Valley Police Department,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “All four defendants have now been held accountable for their brazen behavior, bringing to an end this criminal operation.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4uwPYrJ
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George Pierce (DOB 08/30/53), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of multiple felony hate crimes and related ...offenses stemming from a racially motivated attack made against a black couple in Ventura. The jury found Pierce guilty 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.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
“This hate crime undermined the sense of safety the victims and our community deserve to feel in Ventura County,” Ms. Moyer said. “This verdict helps restore peace of mind not only for the victims, but for our citizens, while sending a clear message that racially motivated violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.”
Pierce is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He was remanded into custody following the verdict and is being held without bail. Pierce faces a maximum of seven years in state prison.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4f6IJ5k
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that William Justin Koznar (DOB 04/27/88), of Moorpark, was sentenced on May 5, 2026, to 11 years in state prison for... causing the death of Sara Marie Goodwin. Koznar previously pled guilty on March 24, 2026, to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. Koznar also admitted to the special allegations of the crime involving great violence and the victim was particularly vulnerable.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4tnjMWT
NEWS RELEASE:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Miguel De Jesus Marquez (DOB 07/20/00), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 4, 2026, to one felony count of luring, ...for his conduct while communicating with a minor on social media.
“This case is a stark reminder that social media can be used to exploit and manipulate minors,” Deputy District Attorney Morgan Luna said. “Parents and guardians need to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives, know who they’re communicating with, monitor their apps, and have ongoing conversations about online safety.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3PtVYTj