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
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, pled guilty today to all counts and allegations related to the ...death of Paul Kessler. Alnaji pled guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and felony battery causing serious bodily injury. He admitted the special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury. Alnaji also admitted aggravating factors that he used a weapon and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
“Alnaji should be sentenced to prison for his violent behavior, and our office strongly objects to any lesser sentence,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “While no amount of punishment will ever fully account for the Kessler family loss, a prison commitment underscores the severity of this crime and will deter others from committing similar acts of violence.”
The Court indicated that it is likely to place Alnaji on formal probation with up to 365 days in jail in a case where Alnaji faces a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the
Ventura County Superior Court. He remains out of custody on $50,000 bail.
READ MORE: https://da.venturacounty.gov/2026/05/alnaji-pleads-guilty-to-all-counts-and-allegations-in-manslaughter-death-of-paul-kessler
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zuberi Kalaikulokahiokalani Sharp (DOB 03/26/00), of Newbury Park, was sentenced to 15 years to life in state ...prison for the second-degree murder of his 15-year-old half-brother, Zayde.
READ MORE:
https://da.venturacounty.gov/2026/05/newbury-park-man-sentenced-to-15-years-to-life-for-murder-of-vulnerable-teen
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental health affects everyone. At the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, we see every day how mental health challenges can impact ...individuals, families, and public safety. We are committed to supporting prevention, connecting people with resources, and working with our community partners to promote safety and well being.
Britney Spears pled guilty to reckless driving involving alcohol and drugs at her first court appearance in Ventura County Superior Court. Her attorney appeared on her behalf and entered the ...plea.
Under the terms of the plea, Spears was placed on 12 months of summary probation, awarded credit for time served, must pay state-mandated fines and fees and complete a three-month (30-hour) first offender DUI program. Additional probation terms include submitting to chemical testing for alcohol and/or drugs while driving, not operating a vehicle with any intoxicant in her system, and agreeing to search terms related to alcohol and/or drugs in her vehicle. Spears is also required to continue substance abuse and mental health treatment.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko spoke following today’s hearing.
NEWS RELEASE:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that Britney Spears resolved her DUI case at her first court appearance today, May 4, 2026, in Ventura County Superior ...Court. Prosecutors originally filed one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At arraignment this morning, the case was resolved with a plea to reckless driving involving alcohol and an impairing drug. Ms. Spears’ attorney appeared for her and entered the guilty plea on her behalf.
This resolution is consistent with standard prosecutorial practice in cases involving defendants with no prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and no collision or injuries.
“Ms. Spears took responsibility for this misdemeanor offense, entering a guilty plea at the earliest stage and two months from the day she was arrested,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and doing so recklessly and erratically is an extremely serious crime endangering everyone on our roads and freeways.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/42aa3bo