NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that federal prosecutors have taken over the prosecution of four men previously charged in Ventura County in ...connection with a large-scale narcotics trafficking operation involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
On June 12, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office obtained a federal grand jury indictment charging Jorge Humberto Valdivia (DOB 05/30/99), Angel Omar Azpeitia Garcia (DOB 01/17/95), Jorge Arturo Marquez Chavez (DOB 05/13/98), and Victor Manuel Otero Correa (DOB 12/11/02), all of North Hollywood, with 17 federal counts arising from the same conduct alleged in the Ventura County case. As a result of the federal prosecution, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office dismissed its case against the defendants on June 15, 2026. Under the federal indictment, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
“The amount of narcotics recovered in this case was staggering and posed a significant threat to public safety throughout Ventura County,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger, who handled the Ventura County case. “Federal prosecution ensures these defendants face substantial consequences and reflects the seriousness of the conduct alleged.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4fVOh39
📌Reminder: The District Attorney's Office will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
All office sites reopen Monday, June 22, 2026.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gabriel Esquivel (DOB 01/13/02), of Oxnard, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the ...deaths of two bicyclists on State Route 1 (SR-1) near Solimar Beach.
The collision caused fatal injuries to Kellie Standish, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. William Colby Tucker was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. A third victim suffered major injuries.
Esquivel is charged with murder because he had previously been warned about the deadly consequences of impaired driving. Following a December 19, 2025, DUI arrest in Oxnard, Esquivel received multiple Watson advisements, which warn drivers that if they drive under the influence again and someone is killed, they can be charged with murder. That case remains pending in Ventura County Superior Court.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3Q5jiaw
Every week we see another fatal crash on Ventura County roads.
Every crash impacts families, friends, and entire communities. Many of them involve speeding. Before you press the gas, ...remember what’s at stake.
Slow down on State Route 126. Safe speeds save lives.
Always a great time with the Westlakers!
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Chief Investigator Scott Whitney joined the Westlakers for a discussion on public safety issues affecting our ...community, including recent high-profile cases, residential burglary crews targeting Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, and current scams and fraud schemes.
Thank you to the Westlakers for the warm welcome and thoughtful questions. We always enjoy spending time with this wonderful group and appreciate the opportunity to return each year.
NEWS RELESAE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Sharbel Touma (DOB 06/09/03), of Oxnard, was sentenced by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Dusty Kawai to ...three years, four months in state prison for a high-speed crash that killed two people. Touma previously pled guilty on March 16, 2026, to two felony counts of vehicular manslaughter for driving 108 miles per hour in a collision that claimed the lives of Samuel Castro and Annette Gomez. Prosecutors objected to the court’s sentence and urged a prison term of five years, four months.
Touma was remanded into custody following sentencing. In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered that Touma be prohibited from driving for the entire duration of his parole.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4vQIqAH
Join Women Lawyers of Ventura County on July 25 for a drive-by donation event benefiting survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through Jillian’s Closet and Family Justice Center ...programs.
Donate new clothing, household essentials, and other needed items to help provide comfort, dignity, and hope when it’s needed most.
📅 July 25, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 39 N. California Street, Ventura
Every donation makes a difference. Thank you for helping survivors rebuild their lives.
⚽🌎 The World Cup spirit made its way to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office today!
Staff showed off their favorite national team jerseys and colors for our World Cup Kit ...Day. Even Comet the courthouse dog got in on the action, proudly sporting his Team USA jersey. 🇺🇸🐾
