NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that federal prosecutors have assumed prosecution of a Riverside County man previously charged in Ventura County in ...connection with a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation involving hundreds of pounds of narcotics and multiple firearms.
On June 17, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California obtained a federal indictment charging Sergio Samuel Sanchez (DOB 04/19/89) with federal narcotics and firearms offenses arising from the same conduct alleged in the Ventura County case. On June 22, 2026, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office moved to dismiss the state case in favor of federal prosecution. Sanchez made his first federal court appearance on June 23 for arraignment.
“This case involved an extraordinary quantity of methamphetamine and multiple firearms, posing a significant threat to public safety,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Federal prosecution ensures that those who engage in large-scale drug trafficking operations face the substantial penalties available under federal law.”
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Nearly 200 Ventura County residents attended the Taxpayers’ Focus on Public Safety event earlier this month to hear from local public safety leaders on issues impacting community safety.
...District Attorney Erik Nasarenko joined a panel discussion alongside other officials as they addressed current and emerging public safety challenges and answered questions from the community.
The event underscored Ventura County’s continued commitment to keeping residents safe and informed. Attendees left with a better understanding of steps they can take to help protect themselves and their families.
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Leonel Galindo Galindo (DOB 03/20/89), of Santa Paula, pled guilty on June 22, 2026, to child molestation ...against two victims. Galindo pled guilty to eight counts of lewd acts upon a child and admitted the aggravating factor that he took advantage of a position of trust and confidence.
“Child molestation inflicts trauma that can endure for a lifetime.” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber, who prosecuted the case. “Thanks to the courage and persistence of the victims and their family, we were able to hold the defendant accountable. We hope that this conviction can help them to begin their journey towards healing.”
Galindo is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $2.4 million.
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NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Stephen Vincent Chavez (DOB 01/17/85), of Moorpark, was sentenced to one year in Ventura County Jail and three ...years of felony probation for incest and providing alcohol to his 18-year-old biological daughter. Chavez previously pled guilty on May 18, 2026, to felony incest and misdemeanor providing alcohol to a minor. He also admitted he took advantage of a position of trust and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
Prosecutors objected to the court’s sentence and requested the maximum sentence allowed by law of three years in state prison.
“The People requested the maximum three-year state prison sentence because the defendant exploited his position as a father, violated his daughter’s trust, supplied her with alcohol, and engaged in criminal conduct that forever altered the course of her life,” said Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty. “While we respect the court’s decision, we continue to believe a state prison sentence was warranted under the facts of this case.”
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Congratulations to Ventura County Deputy District Attorney Erin Weilbacher, who was honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving at its annual Tri-Counties Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding efforts... to combat impaired driving in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko spoke about Erin’s dedication to victims and public safety before presenting her with the award.
Congratulations to Erin and all of this year’s honorees! 👏🚔⚖️
NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rejean Morgan Tabor (DOB 06/26/91), of Simi Valley, has been charged with felony willful, deliberate, premeditated attempted ...murder for the alleged strangulation attack of a shopper inside a Simi Valley Target store. Tabor is also charged with crimes involving four additional victims, including two misdemeanor counts of battery, one misdemeanor count of assault, and one misdemeanor count of child abuse for allegedly inflicting injury on a minor.
Tabor made his first court appearance today. No plea was entered, and criminal proceedings were suspended after the defense declared a doubt as to Tabor’s competency. He remains in custody with bail set at $750,000 pending a competency hearing scheduled for July 16, 2026.
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Please join us in welcoming our newest Victim Advocate, Melissa Ipatzi!
Melissa was officially sworn in this morning by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and is now part of our... team serving crime victims throughout Ventura County.
Victim Advocates play a vital role in helping victims navigate the criminal justice system, connecting them with resources, and ensuring their voices are heard every step of the way.
Welcome to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Melissa! We are excited to have you on board.
