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
NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Armando Liborio De La Mora (DOB 10/11/93), of Oxnard, was sentenced on August 25, 2026, to 365 days in Ventura ...County Jail and domestic violence probation after pleading guilty to five domestic violence charges. De La Mora previously pled guilty on June 18, 2026, to two felony counts of inflicting corporal injury on a girlfriend, one felony count of false imprisonment by violence, and misdemeanor counts of disobeying a domestic relations court order and violating a protective order. De La Mora also admitted to three aggravating circumstances for each of the felony counts, including the crime involved great violence, the victim was particularly vulnerable, and De La Mora engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society.
“This was a serious and traumatic attack that will have a lasting effect on the victim,” said Deputy District Attorney Hyla Schneir. “She showed tremendous courage throughout this process, and we will continue to advocate for the safety and protection of domestic violence victims.”
READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3UpPaIy
Communication professionals from across Ventura County gathered at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office today for a quarterly meeting, sharing ideas, exchanging best practices and ...exploring powerful ways to better communicate with the public.
A special thank you to County PIOs Natalie Hernandez and Diana Guevara for organizing these quarterly meetings and creating opportunities for communications professionals across the county to learn from one another.
Today’s meeting included training on producing video news releases, giving Public Information Officers practical tools to tell their agencies’ stories in a compelling and effective way.
And of course, Star and Comet, our courthouse dogs, were on hand to serve as some pretty awesome greeters! 🐾
Congratulations to Senior Deputy District Attorney Michelle Contois on her retirement after an extraordinary 32-year career with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office!
For the last... 26 years, Michelle served in our Writs and Appeals Unit, sharing her exceptional legal and institutional knowledge with generations of attorneys. Her distinguished career also includes appearing before the United States Supreme Court, not once but twice.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisa Lyytikainen and Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachelle Dean presented Michelle with her retirement plaque in recognition of her dedicated service.
We will miss Michelle’s expertise and presence, but we’re excited for her next chapter.
Congratulations, Michelle, and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement! 🎉