Recognize this guy? 👀
Ventura County investigators believe Ze Li, of Fremont CA, allegedly acted as a courier for fraudsters targeting elderly residents through computer scams.
...Recently, a victim was falsely told by a scammer posing as “Microsoft” that his account had been compromised. He was instructed to withdraw $25,000 to protect his money and ultimately handed $20,000 in cash to Li.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. If you recognize Li or believe you were targeted by a similar scam, contact DA Investigator Eric Jensen at 805-662-1750.
🚨 Watch for these red flags:
• Urgent demands to act immediately
• Requests to keep it secret
• Threats of arrest or losing your money
• Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold or cash
• Instructions not to contact your bank, family or law enforcement
Remember: Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask you to withdraw cash and hand it to a stranger to “protect” your money.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ze Li (DOB 04/10/91), of Fremont, was charged with stealing $20,000 from an elderly Ventura County resident as ...part of an alleged computer fraud scam. Li is charged with one felony count each of grand theft, theft from an elder or dependent adult, attempted grand theft, attempted theft from an elder or dependent adult, and two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime. The charges include special allegations that the victim was particularly vulnerable and that the manner in which the crimes were carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or professionalism.
Li was arraigned on August 31, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4yi0jK5
Today, Charity Wiley was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the second degree murder of Devin Kastler, marking Ventura County’s first fentanyl murder conviction.
In this ...video, Devin’s mother, Kristi Kastler, speaks about her son, the devastating loss of his life, and the lasting impact his death has had on his family.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger and Deputy District Attorney Devin Mirchi, who prosecuted the case, also discuss the case and the importance of holding those who sell deadly fentanyl accountable.
Devin’s life was cut short by a lethal mixture of fentanyl and xylazine. His family will live with that loss forever. Devin is forever 28.
Learn more about the dangers of fentanyl at ThinkAgainVC.com
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Charity Faith Wiley (DOB 09/21/85), of Reseda, was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the second-degree murder ...of Devin Kastler, who died after overdosing on a deadly mixture of fentanyl and xylazine. Wiley previously pled guilty on July 6, 2026, to second-degree murder and five additional felonies related to her drug possession, sales activity, gun possession, and money laundering. She also admitted several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the manner in which the crimes were carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.
“After more than 30 years as a prosecutor, I have rarely encountered someone as organized and sophisticated as Wiley, coupled with such a disregard for human life,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger said. “She was warned that the drugs were killing people and agreed not to sell to Devin. She did it anyway.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4xAvSPr
Despite the heat, our Child Abduction & Recovery Unit (CARU) team was out in the community Sunday for Swap Meet Justice!
More than 100 community members stopped by to connect with our ...team and learn about information, resources and services available from the District Attorney’s Office and partner agencies.
Swap Meet Justice is held on the last Sunday of each month, giving CARU an opportunity to connect directly with our community and provide helpful resources.
It was a hot one, but we were happy to be there and serve our community! ☀️💙
The California District Attorney Investigators’ Association (CDAIA) is holding its 2026 Annual Training Conference in Universal City this week, bringing together law enforcement professionals from ...across the state.
Our Chief Investigator, Scott Whitney, was a panelist today as part of the Leadership Track: Bureau Chiefs Panel Discussion and Breakout. Chief Whitney shared his experience and insight alongside other law enforcement leaders.
Thank you to CDAIA for providing a valuable opportunity for training, leadership development and networking with DA’s Offices across California.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Neil Liam Reb (DOB 11/07/03), of Oak Park, pleaded guilty on August 28, 2026, to two counts of felony gross ...vehicular manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Alejandro and Maria Ramirez. Reb also admitted the special allegation that the crime is a serious felony.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez lost their lives because of a reckless decision to drive at an extremely dangerous speed, and their family will have to live with that loss forever,” said Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Blake Heller. “This guilty plea holds Mr. Reb accountable for his actions and the tragic consequences they caused.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/45Vs9jl
NEWS RELEASE:
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Timothy Wade Hensley (DOB 07/03/75), of Ventura, was sentenced to 12 years in state prison for child ...molestation. Hensley was previously convicted by a jury on July 31, 2026, of one felony count of continuous sexual abuse. The court found true the aggravating factors of taking advantage of a position of trust and the victim being particularly vulnerable.
“The victim and her family showed tremendous courage in coming forward and participating in this process,” Deputy District Attorney Julia McAndrew said. “Crimes against children are unacceptable, and we will continue to work to hold those who commit these offenses accountable. We hope that today’s outcome brings the victim a measure of justice and allows her to move forward with the support and safety that she deserves.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4y85FaB
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jaime Torres (DOB 05/25/84), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 29 years to life in state prison. Torres was ...previously convicted by a jury on June 24, 2026, of continuous sexual abuse, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and lewd acts upon a child. All aggravating factors were found true, which included the victim being particularly vulnerable and Torres taking advantage of a position of trust.
“This defendant was entrusted with protecting a child but instead betrayed that trust in the most unconscionable way,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Ben Moreno said. “Today’s sentence is a just consequence for that betrayal. I applaud the victim for the extraordinary courage and strength she has shown throughout this process, and I hope this sentence brings her the justice and closure she so profoundly deserves.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4iFvzhv