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.
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.
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.
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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.”
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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.
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.
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.
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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
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.”
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