In a joint news conference held on January 18, 2023, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff discuss the murder of Jose Velasquez and the 11 felony charges filed against Rotherie Foster for the crime.
News Releases
Second Murder Charge Added Against Mother in Infant Death Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that prosecutors have filed an amended complaint against Marisol Flores (DOB 09/11/95), of Oxnard, adding charges related to a second alleged infant homicide. The amended complaint filed March 10, 2026, in Ventura County Superior Court, adds one count of murder and one count of assault on a… Read More
Oxnard Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder, Other Related Charges
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Willis Nichols (DOB 03/15/03), of Oxnard, has been convicted of seven felony charges stemming from two separate shootings in Oxnard in December 2021 and March 2022, including the first-degree murder of Adrian Sandoval. The jury found Nichols guilty of first-degree murder, two counts of assault with… Read More
“Safer Together” Symposium Strengthening Gun Violence Prevention Efforts
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention and advocacy group, hosted the “Safer Together” Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) Symposium at the Ventura County Government Center. The symposium brought together prosecutors, city attorneys, law enforcement leaders, and mental health and violence prevention advocates to advance implementation of California’s evolving firearm… Read More
Sophisticated Burglary Crew Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Simi Valley Heist
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that three of the four members of a sophisticated burglary crew were sentenced on February 20, 2026. The crew is responsible for the coordinated commercial burglary on May 25, 2025, at 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop in Simi Valley. Manuel… Read More
Bookkeeper Sentenced for Embezzling More Than $550,000 From Employer
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ida Veronica Hernandez (DOB 06/27/80) was sentenced to four years, four months in state prison for an extensive embezzlement scheme committed while she was employed as a bookkeeper for a Thousand Oaks medical practice. “I wish trusted employees that steal understood the devastation they leave behind,”… Read More
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Ventura County District Attorney and Sheriff Joint Press Conference January 18, 2023
Family Justice Center Restraining Order Workshop
The Ventura County Family Justice Center is holding a new restraining order workshop for those in need. Demand for this service has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. The workshops will be three days a week. Two days in English and one day in Spanish.
If you need help or information between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, call us at (805) 652-7655, text us at (805) 947-7981, or email vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Centro de Justicia Familiar – Taller de órdenes de restricción contra la Violencia Doméstica
El Centro de Justicia Familiar del Condado de Ventura está organizando un nuevo taller sobre órdenes de restricción para los necesitados. La demanda de este servicio se ha disparado durante los años de la pandemia. Los talleres serán tres días a la semana. Dos días en Inglés y un día en Español.
Si necesita ayuda o información entre las 8:00 am y las 5:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, llámenos al (805) 652-7655, envíenos un mensaje de texto al (805) 947-7981 o envíe un correo electrónico a vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Notable Cases
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodney Rey Yanez (DOB 03/11/69), of Oxnard, has been charged with the second-degree murder of Dylan Rusch. This marks the first time the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a defendant who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug, fentanyl, to a victim who overdosed…
2013 People v. Kenneth Powell, Katie Rose, and Paul Lascola
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted one of the largest real estate investment fraud schemes uncovered in the county involving victim losses exceeding $3 million.
2012 People v. Calvin Sharp
In August 2007, Calvin Sharp chased down, attacked, and brutally killed a 6-year-old boy, Sev’n Molina, with a meat cleaver. When Sev’n’s mother, Sandra Ruiz, tried to stop the attack, Sharp attacked her as well, causing major life-long injuries. A neighbor, Diane Cox, also attempted to intervene and suffered serious injuries at the hands of…
Public Reports
January 28, 2026
The Public Integrity Unit of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has completedits review of the July 24, 2025, in-custody death of Mauricio Mateo Cuevas.
November 7, 2024
Report on the April 7, 2023, shooting of Cristian Baltazar-Torres by Oxnard Police Officer Jarrod Sheffield.
May 28, 2024
Report on the March 12, 2023, shooting of Adam Barcenas by Oxnard Police Department Officer Shayn Schwartz.