Ventura County District Attorney
  • Home
  • Victim Services
  • Courthouse Dogs
  • Dangers of Fentanyl
  • Family Justice Center
  • Contact Us
This website is undergoing updates to improve accessibility in accordance with new ADA guidelines. Some content or features may be relocated or temporarily removed during this process.

Social Media

Facebook logo, follow us at www.facebook.com/VenturaCountyDA
Twitter/X Logo, follow us at www.x.com/VenturaCountyDA
YouTube logo, follow us at www.youtube.com/VenturaCountyDA
Instagram logo, follow us at www.instagram.com/VenturaCountyDA
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

18 hours ago

This week, Ventura County recognizes Crime Victims’ Rights Week, as proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors.This year, we specifically honor the restoration of identity and dignity to Maricela Rocha Parga, who was known for decades only as a Jane Doe. Her name being restored reflects the dedication of investigators, advocates, and partners who never stopped seeking answers. Her story is a powerful reminder that every victim matters, every name matters, and every life deserves to be recognized.We remain committed to standing with victims and survivors, protecting their rights, and pursuing justice on their behalf. Lightbox link for post with description This week, Ventura County recognizes Crime...

This week, Ventura County recognizes Crime Victims’ Rights Week, as proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors.

This year, we specifically honor the restoration of identity and dignity to ...Maricela Rocha Parga, who was known for decades only as a Jane Doe. Her name being restored reflects the dedication of investigators, advocates, and partners who never stopped seeking answers. Her story is a powerful reminder that every victim matters, every name matters, and every life deserves to be recognized.

We remain committed to standing with victims and survivors, protecting their rights, and pursuing justice on their behalf.

84
Share 103598218445564_1264982562473477
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

4 days ago

We had a fantastic time at the Banyan Elementary School Career Fair in Newbury Park, connecting with approximately 500 students and staff across two assemblies. Students from grades K–5 were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and got a closer look at the work of the District Attorney’s Office and what it means to be a prosecutor.A special highlight was courthouse dog Star, who quickly became the star of the show and a favorite among students. Events like this are a great reminder of the importance of community outreach and inspiring the next generation. Lightbox link for post with description We had a fantastic time at the Banyan Elementary...

We had a fantastic time at the Banyan Elementary School Career Fair in Newbury Park, connecting with approximately 500 students and staff across two assemblies. Students from grades K–5 were ...engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and got a closer look at the work of the District Attorney’s Office and what it means to be a prosecutor.

A special highlight was courthouse dog Star, who quickly became the star of the show and a favorite among students. Events like this are a great reminder of the importance of community outreach and inspiring the next generation.

32
Share 103598218445564_1262586446046422
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

5 days ago

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week before the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources in support of Assembly Bill 2075 (AB 2075), legislation aimed at strengthening wildfire prevention laws and clarifying fire safety requirements during vegetation clearing operations.The bill passed unanimously out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on a 14-0 vote as amended and will now be re-referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.READ MORE: https://bit.ly/42aQJur Lightbox link for post with description NEWS RELEASE: Ventura County District Attorney...

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week before the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources in support of Assembly Bill 2075 (AB 2075), ...legislation aimed at strengthening wildfire prevention laws and clarifying fire safety requirements during vegetation clearing operations.

The bill passed unanimously out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on a 14-0 vote as amended and will now be re-referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/42aQJur

41
Share 103598218445564_1262022129436187
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

6 days ago

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Baum (01/11/67), of Fairlawn, Ohio, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of forcible rape. An aggravating factor that the crime involved great violence was also found to be true.Deputy District Attorney Julia McAndrew, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.“This verdict affirms that survivors of sexual violence have the right to be heard, believed, and protected, and that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable,” Ms. McAndrew said. “It is my hope that this outcome brings the victim of this case a meaningful measure of justice.”READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4cR9MPF Lightbox link for post with description NEWS RELEASE: Ventura County District Attorney...

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Baum (01/11/67), of Fairlawn, Ohio, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of forcible rape. An... aggravating factor that the crime involved great violence was also found to be true.

Deputy District Attorney Julia McAndrew, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.

“This verdict affirms that survivors of sexual violence have the right to be heard, believed, and protected, and that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable,” Ms. McAndrew said. “It is my hope that this outcome brings the victim of this case a meaningful measure of justice.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4cR9MPF

264
Share 103598218445564_1261173189521081
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

7 days ago

Please join us in congratulating Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachelle Dean on 25 years of dedicated service to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the County of Ventura.Rachelle is one of 24 individuals recognized today, representing an incredible 580 years of combined County service.Thank you, Rachelle, for your commitment to justice and to our community. Congratulations to all who were honored. Lightbox link for post with description Please join us in congratulating Chief Deputy...

Please join us in congratulating Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachelle Dean on 25 years of dedicated service to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the County of Ventura.

...Rachelle is one of 24 individuals recognized today, representing an incredible 580 years of combined County service.

Thank you, Rachelle, for your commitment to justice and to our community. Congratulations to all who were honored.

8212
Share 103598218445564_1260340906270976
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

7 days ago

A well-deserved recognition for Prosecutor Brandon Yeaton and Investigator Chris Chitty, who were honored by the Oxnard Knights of Columbus with Public Safety Awards. Their work, and all the other honorees, reflect the commitment and professionalism we see in Ventura County everyday. Lightbox link for post with description A well-deserved recognition for Prosecutor ...

A well-deserved recognition for Prosecutor Brandon Yeaton and Investigator Chris Chitty, who were honored by the Oxnard Knights of Columbus with Public Safety Awards. Their work, and all the other ...honorees, reflect the commitment and professionalism we see in Ventura County everyday.

632
Share 103598218445564_1260123479626052
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

1 weeks ago

NEWS RELEASE:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Heriberto Baez (DOB 10/02/86), of Ventura, has been charged with two counts of felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud and one count of felony attempted perjury.Baez’s pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment. He is scheduled for an early disposition conference on June 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains out of custody on his own recognizance.READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4dFVJhL Lightbox link for post with description NEWS RELEASE: The Ventura County District...

NEWS RELEASE:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Heriberto Baez (DOB 10/02/86), of Ventura, has been charged with two counts of felony workers’ compensation ...insurance fraud and one count of felony attempted perjury.

Baez’s pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment. He is scheduled for an early disposition conference on June 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains out of custody on his own recognizance.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4dFVJhL

60
Share 103598218445564_1259618873009846
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

1 weeks ago

Proud to see our team representing during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.Last week, Supervising Victim Advocate Celia Cardona, Senior Program Administrator of Safe Harbor Monica Villa, and Safe Harbor Victim Advocate Paulina Lupian attended the International Conference on Sexual Assault in New Orleans, joining professionals nationwide to support survivors and advance efforts to end violence against women.
Ventura County Family Justice Center Lightbox link for post with description Proud to see our team representing during Sexual...

Proud to see our team representing during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Last week, Supervising Victim Advocate Celia Cardona, Senior Program Administrator of Safe Harbor Monica Villa, and ...Safe Harbor Victim Advocate Paulina Lupian attended the International Conference on Sexual Assault in New Orleans, joining professionals nationwide to support survivors and advance efforts to end violence against women.
Ventura County Family Justice Center

144
Share 103598218445564_1259503349688065
Follow
Account avatar for Ventura County District Attorney's Office

Ventura County District Attorney's Office

2 weeks ago

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Gonzalez-Arteaga (DOB 05/13/81), of Oxnard, was convicted on April 9, 2026, of six felony counts related to the molestation and rape of a child. The jury found Gonzalez-Arteaga guilty of continuous sexual abuse, three counts of unlawful acts with a child 10 years and under, forcible rape, and possession of child sexual abuse material. All special allegations and aggravating circumstances were found true, including that he inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of forcible rape. This aggravating circumstance makes Gonzalez-Arteaga’s sentence mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP).Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.“The defendant committed the ultimate betrayal of a child he was supposed to protect,” Ms. Atmore said. “Although the victim will likely suffer with the memories of her abuse for the rest of her life, the jury’s swift and just verdict ensures the defendant will never hurt another child.”READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4sqzOig Lightbox link for post with description NEWS RELEASE: Ventura County District Attorney...

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Gonzalez-Arteaga (DOB 05/13/81), of Oxnard, was convicted on April 9, 2026, of six felony counts related ...to the molestation and rape of a child. The jury found Gonzalez-Arteaga guilty of continuous sexual abuse, three counts of unlawful acts with a child 10 years and under, forcible rape, and possession of child sexual abuse material. All special allegations and aggravating circumstances were found true, including that he inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of forcible rape. This aggravating circumstance makes Gonzalez-Arteaga’s sentence mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP).

Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The defendant committed the ultimate betrayal of a child he was supposed to protect,” Ms. Atmore said. “Although the victim will likely suffer with the memories of her abuse for the rest of her life, the jury’s swift and just verdict ensures the defendant will never hurt another child.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4sqzOig

4614
Share 103598218445564_1257277863243947
Ventura County District Attorney Seal
  • News
        • Alerts & Advisories
        • News Releases
        • Public Reports
        • Publications
        • Social Media
        • Term Reports
        • Video Gallery
  • Divisions
        • Administrative Services
        • Bureau of Investigation
        • Criminal Prosecutions
        • General Prosecutions
        • Justice Services
        • Special Prosecutions
        • Victim and Community Services
  • About the Office
  • Employment Opportunities
        • District Attorney Office Job Openings
        • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Policies and Procedures
        • DA Office Policies and Procedures
        • Law Enforcement Policies (SB 978)
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Search

Our Office

  • Meet the Team
  • Pride in the Past ... Faith in the Future
  • Organizational Chart

Volunteering / Legal Internships

  • Attorney Volunteers
  • Family Justice Center Volunteer
  • Law Student Volunteers

Employment Opportunities

Ventura County Job Opportunities

Contact Us

Contact Us

Alerts & Advisories

  • Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form – English
  • Real Estate Fraud Complaint Form – Spanish
  • Foreclosure & Loan Modification – English
  • Foreclosure & Loan Modification – Spanish

Divisions

  • Administrative Services
  • Bureau of Investigation
  • Criminal Prosecutions
  • General Prosecutions
  • Justice Services
  • Special Prosecutions
  • Victim and Community Services

News

  • Alerts & Advisories
  • News Releases
  • Notable Cases
  • Public Reports
  • Social Media Terms of Use
  • Term Reports
  • Video Gallery

Links

  • County of Ventura
  • Ventura County Superior Courts
  • Office of the Attorney General
  • Ventura County Sheriff
  • Ventura County Probation Agency
Contact an Advocate

    This form can be used to contact an advocate working in the District Attorney's Office. All fields are required and information received will be stored in a confidential department database. Your personal contact information will only be used to respond to your inquiry. Your message will be forwarded to the responsible party for appropriate handling.



    ©2023 Ventura County District Attorney