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.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4sM7vwH
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.
During Forensic Nurses Week, we took a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible forensic nurses who care for victims of sexual assault throughout Ventura County.
These dedicated Read moreprofessionals do so much more than conduct examinations and collect critical evidence. They provide compassionate care, comfort and support to victims during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Thanks to the dedication and recent expansion of this amazing team, in September and October 2026, not a single victim had to travel outside Ventura County for a sexual assault examination.
Thank you for showing up for victims whenever they need you.
A special thank you to the Family Justice Center Foundation for their generous breakfast donation in honor of our nurses!
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Manuel Alejandro Vasquez (DOB 02/10/78) was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for the 1998 killing Read moreof Felipe Arambula in Ventura. Vasquez previously pled guilty on September 30, 2026, to first-degree murder.
“Despite waiting nearly 30 years for justice, the victim’s family never wavered in their belief that one day all the men responsible for the victim’s murder would be successfully prosecuted,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick. “Special thanks to the Ventura Police Department for their dedication and hard work regarding this case, which would not have been solved but for their tireless efforts.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4ySDDzV
Please join us in welcoming Sara Kulumani, our new Executive Director of the Ventura County Family Justice Centers!
Sara brings an impressive background in public service, leadership, Read morevictim and witness assistance, and community partnerships. Her experience includes leadership roles in a Virginia prosecutor’s office and service as a U.S. Army logistics officer.
We’re excited to welcome Sara to the District Attorney’s Office and look forward to the experience and leadership she brings to our Family Justice Centers!
Congratulations, Investigator Miranda!