NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that William Justin Koznar (DOB 04/27/88), of Moorpark, has pled guilty to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter... for the death of Sara Marie Goodwin. The change of plea hearing was held on March 24, 2026. Koznar also admitted to the special allegations of the crime involving great violence and the victim was particularly vulnerable. Koznar agreed to the stipulated sentence of 11 years in state prison in exchange for his guilty plea.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3PAqISw
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the filing of felony charges against Yanwen Gu (DOB 03/20/86) of Rosemead, CA, and Shaohua Sun (DOB 08/20/86) of Monterey Park, CA. ...Gu and Sun have been charged with multiple felonies including conspiracy to commit grand theft and attempted grand theft for their alleged roles in an elder fraud scheme. Gu and Sun were arraigned on March 23, 2026, and pleaded not guilty.
Gu and Sun are scheduled for an early disposition conference on April 2, 2026, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Both Gu and Sun are currently in custody on $500,000 bail. The court also granted a motion to examine any source of bail tendered on behalf of the defendants to ensure it did not come from alleged criminal proceeds.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Dominic Kardum of the Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit. If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of this fraud or a similar scam, please contact District Attorney Investigator Eric Jensen at (805) 662-1750.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4sGI4vw
News Release: Groundskeeper Charged with Felony Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Kenneth Judd (DOB 04/08/57), of Simi ...Valley, has been charged with three counts of felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud.
Judd was arraigned on the information on March 18, 2026, and is scheduled for a pretrial conference hearing on April 13, 2026, in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is out of custody on his own recognizance.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3NsuVqI
Join us in congratulating Academy Class 2025-2 on their graduation and entry into law enforcement service. These 35 graduates are taking an important step in their careers and committing themselves ...to protecting and serving our community.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko had the honor of presenting Deputy Zachary Hardwick with the Outstanding Personal Traits Award, recognizing his character, leadership, and dedication.
We also extend a special congratulations to District Attorney Investigator Aaron Baker, whose son Trevor is continuing the family tradition of service as a newly sworn officer with the Santa Barbara Police Department.
Congratulations to all the graduates and their families. We wish you safe and successful careers ahead.
(📸: Ventura County Sheriff's Office)
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jordan Corrales (DOB 12/29/01), of Oxnard, was sentenced on March 25, 2026, to seven years and four months in state prison ...after being convicted by a jury in two separate cases involving vehicle theft, domestic violence, and a high-speed pursuit.
“We are pleased that the jury reached a swift and decisive verdict,” Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Horlick said. “It reflects the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of the offense. The sentence imposed sends a clear message that these crimes will not be treated lightly. In this case, upper term was appropriate given the facts and the defendant’s criminal history, to ensure accountability and protect the community.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4sCUkND
NEWS RELEASE:
A Santa Clara County judge has ordered CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. to pay $1.1 million to resolve a consumer protection action alleging the company failed to timely transfer ...vehicle registrations and ownership documents for used car buyers across California.
The settlement resolves a civil enforcement lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court by the District Attorney’s Offices of Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties. Prosecutors alleged that CarMax violated California law by failing to submit applications to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the statutory deadlines and failing to timely deliver certificates of ownership to consumers.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/47oBQb9
We were proud to join Oxnard PD and MICOP on Saturday for Cafecito with a Cop at Vallarta Supermarket in South Oxnard ☕️
This outreach event was all about connecting with the community,... building trust, and making sure residents know about the resources available to them right in their neighborhood.
Thank you to Supervising Victim Advocate Celia Cardona and Victim Advocate Paulina Lupian for representing our office and engaging with community members throughout the morning.
Oxnard Police Department
Deputy District Attorney Paul Hiepler, a graduate of Pepperdine Caruso Law and a now a member of our team.