NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ivar Laegreid (DOB 06/27/58), of Oxnard, was sentenced on November 5, 2026, to six years four months in state Read moreprison. Prosecutors were asking for 12 years eight months in prison. Laegreid was previously convicted by a jury on October 8, 2026, of seven felony counts related to drugs sales and his possession of a ghost gun.
Deputy District Attorney Devin Mirchi, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Narcotics Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The defendant brought large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into Ventura County and sold them while armed with a ghost gun,” Mr. Mirchi said. “We are glad the defendant has been held accountable for the danger he posed to our community.”
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Statement from District Attorney Erik Nasarenko on Governor Newsom’s Decision to Commute Death Sentences
VENTURA, Calif. – Governor Newsom’s decision to commute existing death Read moresentences in California directly impacts the families of 15 victims in Ventura County. These were the most heinous and horrific crimes in our county over the past fifty years, and the victims’ families have endured unimaginable loss, grief and suffering.
These death sentences were imposed after a jury carefully considered the evidence, facts and circumstances of each individual case. They represent years of courtroom proceedings, appeals and judicial review.
Life without the possibility of parole is a severe punishment, but it was not the sentence determined in a courtroom for these 15 cases, and it replaces the decision-making authority of the judge and jury with gubernatorial discretion. That is what the California Constitution allows, but our responsibility as prosecutors is to seek justice, stand with victims and their families and uphold the rule of law and will of the voters. As the California Supreme Court reviews many of these commuted sentences, I encourage the justices to carefully evaluate each eligible case and reach its own independent decision.
This week, Rocky Marquez was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for the Oxnard Police Department!
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office congratulates Chief Marquez on his Read morewell-deserved promotion and looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Oxnard Police Department in keeping our communities safe.
Congratulations, Chief Marquez!
(Photos: Oxnard Police Department)
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Pedro Ocampo Alvarez (DOB 06/29/68), of Oxnard, was convicted on November 4, 2026, of 11 felony counts of child Read moremolestation. Alvarez waived his right to a jury trial, opting for a court trial conducted by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Paul Feldman. Judge Feldman found Alvarez guilty of four counts of lewd acts upon a child, three counts of using a child for sex acts, two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child 10 years old and under, and one count each of oral copulation with a child 10 years and under and possession of child pornography. The special allegations of substantial sexual conduct and the victim being particularly vulnerable were found to be true.
Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“I am deeply grateful to the victim for her bravery and strength throughout this process,” Ms. McCarty said. “Coming forward and participating in the pursuit of justice takes tremendous courage and I hope this conviction brings her closure and the justice she so rightfully deserves.”
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A big thank you to VC Vida Newspaper for helping us spread the word about government benefit fraud by publishing our public awareness ad in both English and Spanish!
The ad highlights commonRead more types of benefit fraud, how to recognize potential fraud, and where to report suspicious activity. It also reminds the community that reports can be made anonymously and that you do not need proof to make a report.
Public assistance programs are an important resource for families and individuals who need them. Helping protect those resources is a responsibility we all share.
We appreciate VIDA's partnership in helping us reach more members of our community with this important information!
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the results of Operation Night Fall, a countywide enforcement operation targeting individuals suspected of producing,Read more distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material (child pornography). The operation was conducted from September 21, 2026, through October 8, 2026, by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Ventura Police Department, California State Parole, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
During the operation, investigators served 24 search warrants, including seven at residential locations, to gather evidence related to these investigations. Seven individuals were arrested in Ventura County in connection with the operation.
“Protecting children from sexual exploitation is a central mission for our office and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to harm them,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Operation Night Fall demonstrates the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in identifying offenders, securing critical evidence, and holding those accused accountable.”
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Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Oxnard Police Department
Ventura Police Department
Simi Valley Police Department
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four members of a family-run criminal enterprise have been sentenced to state prison for operating illicit Read moremassage businesses, running commercial sex operations and laundering the proceeds through financial institutions, real estate and other assets.
Xiangwei Ma (DOB 07/15/70), identified as the head of the organization, was sentenced to 14 years 8 months in state prison. Xiangdong Ma (DOB 09/10/72) was sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Li Ma (DOB 02/18/66) received a sentence of 5 years 4 months in state prison, and Ming Ma (DOB 10/18/85) was sentenced to 4 years 4 months in state prison.
“Behind the doors of seemingly legitimate massage businesses in Ventura County was a criminal enterprise that exploited vulnerable women and generated enormous profits,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly said. “These convictions send a powerful message: our communities will not be a marketplace for commercial sex, and those who profit from exploiting others will be held accountable.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3UFCGwW
Four members of a family-run criminal enterprise have been sentenced to state prison for their roles in a decade-long commercial sex and money laundering operation.
The four of the Ma Read moreFamily received prison sentences ranging from 5 to 14 years and 8 months for operating illicit massage businesses, exploiting women for commercial sex and laundering the proceeds.
The convictions established the basis for forfeiture of more than $1.25 million in seized assets.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly prosecuted the case.
