NEWS RELEASE:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Jose Santos Villalobos (DOB 04/13/91), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury on January 8, 2026, for attempting to ...steal his child with forged legal documents. Villalobos was found guilty of felony attempted child abduction, filing false or forged documents, forgery, and misdemeanor disobeying a domestic relations court order. Following the verdict, the court found true the aggravating factor that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism.
“This case involved a calculated effort to deceive law enforcement and our office by fabricating judicial authority,” Deputy District Attorney Cesar Ponce said. “The verdict makes clear that such conduct will not be tolerated, especially when a child’s safety is at stake.”
READ MORE: bit.ly/49MPWV9
Today, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor the dedicated investigators of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, along with the officers, deputies, and law... enforcement professionals from every agency across Ventura County. Their commitment to public safety, collaboration, and service to our community is evident every day, often under challenging and demanding circumstances.
We are grateful for their professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to protecting victims and holding offenders accountable.
As part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we are proud to share that Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore will serve as a panelist at this important community forum hosted by Soroptimist ...Simi Valley.
The free Human Trafficking Awareness Forum on January 21, 2026 brings together local leaders, law enforcement, survivor advocates, and a survivor voice to focus on education, awareness, and community safety.
👉 Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1829834184348678/
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Together, we can strengthen our communities and prevent human trafficking.
If you or someone you know might be a victim of trafficking, call ...9-1-1. If you think you might be a victim and want more information, call 1-800-636-6738 (adults) or 1-805-261-1212 (minors).
NEWS RELEASE:
A new set of public safety laws strongly supported by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko have taken effect in 2026, strengthening penalties for looting and the ...impersonation of emergency personnel during declared emergencies.
“Ventura County is no stranger to disaster, and our residents know firsthand how devastating these events can be,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “When families are evacuating from a dangerous fire and first responders are risking their lives, we can’t have criminals exploiting the chaos and devastation. These new laws will allow us to crack down on looters and criminal impersonators.”
Governor Gavin Newsom signed companion legislation in Assembly Bill 468 and Senate Bill 571 into law in October. AB 468, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, strengthens penalties for looting during declared emergencies and extends protections into the recovery and rebuilding phase following disasters. SB 571 reinforces penalties for individuals who impersonate firefighters, law enforcement officers, or other officials during emergencies.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/450ZdGw
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office formally recognized 14 members of the Ventura County Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force during a ceremony held at the Ventura County District ...Attorney’s Office.
The honorees include investigators, detectives, and computer forensic examiners from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office who were recognized for their outstanding work protecting children and holding offenders accountable.
Congratulations and thank you for your continued dedication to keeping Ventura County safe.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Verizon Wireless will pay $7.7 million to resolve a statewide civil enforcement action involving environmental ...violations at hundreds of the company’s wireless telecommunication cell towers across Southern California.
Beginning in January 2019, violations occurred at numerous Verizon cell towers where hazardous materials and above ground petroleum storage tanks are used to power emergency generators and backup systems. Verizon stores and uses materials such as lead acid batteries and petroleum products at these sites, which require detailed reporting and proper hazardous materials management under California law.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/49EIziy
Happy New Year from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office!
Please celebrate responsibly and help keep our community safe as we welcome the new year. ✨
📌 Upcoming Holiday Closure
Our offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day.
We will reopen during regular business hours on Friday.