District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that David Guadelupe Calderon (DOB 02/25/93), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury for the first-degree murder of Edwin Herrera, a young father and non-gang member. The jury also found true the gun special allegation. Calderon waived jury regarding other allegations, including a gang enhancement and a gang special circumstance, and the judge found those true.
Erik Nasarenko was elected Ventura County District Attorney on June 7, 2022. As the County’s top prosecutor overseeing a $66 million budget and 300 employees, including more than 100 deputy district attorneys, Erik has initiated specialized efforts to prosecute fentanyl-based crimes, analyze untested rape kits, and expand support and services to crime victims, including the creation of the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard.
Latest News Releases
Former Ojai Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sex Crimes Against Student
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Paul Herder (DOB 03/20/58), of Pahoa, Hawaii, pled guilty to six felony counts involving sexual conduct with a student. Herder pled to two counts of luring, digital penetration of a minor, oral copulation of a minor under 18, unlawful sexual intercourse, and using a minor for sex acts. He also admitted special allegations that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit these offenses.
Oxnard Man Sentenced to Prison for DUI Death of Pedestrian
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Luiz Armando Ayala (DOB 12/01/01), of Oxnard, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, to four years prison for the driving under the influence death of John Sherman Winter. Ayala previously pled guilty on January 16, 2024, to one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of being an unlicensed driver. He also admitted to special allegations, including that he fled the scene of the crime, and that the crime involved great violence.
Stolen Box Truck Driver Charged in Multi-County Pursuit Ending in Ventura
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Armando Gutierrez (DOB 11/06/75), of El Monte, has been charged with four felony counts and two misdemeanors related to a vehicle pursuit through parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The charges include assault with a deadly weapon, evading an officer, unlawful taking of a vehicle, receiving stolen property, driving under the influence of any alcohol or drug, and resisting arrest. Gutierrez is also charged with the special allegations that he has prior strike offenses and prior serious or violent felony convictions.
Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty in Deadly DUI Crash on PCH
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on March 6, 2024, Keith David McDowell-Satyananda (DOB 10/30/76), of Los Angeles, pled guilty to one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one felony count of driving under the influence causing injury. He also admitted to four special allegations, including that he fled the scene of the crime, caused great bodily injury in commission of a felony, and that the crime involved great violence.
Divisions
Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion
The Ventura County District Attorney recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (“DEBI”) in the office’s culture and climate, hiring, training and education, opportunities for advancement, and the relationship with the communities it serves. The District Attorney has created this committee to promote these stated values for the benefit of the Office and to achieve the Office’s mission.