California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Ethel Hernandez to serve as a judge of the Ventura County Superior Court. Ms. Hernandez, a second-generation Mexican-American raised in Oxnard, has been with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor since 2012.

“I am extremely grateful for my time in the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a member of the professional staff and then as a Deputy District Attorney,” Ms. Hernandez said. “The time I have spent in this office and the work over the past 12 years, I will carry with me forever.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas (DOB 03/24/82), of Woodland Hills, was convicted by a jury on May 2, 2024, of five felony counts related to assaults on women in their homes or on hiking trails in Thousand Oaks and Oak Park.

“Ruelas represents one of the more dangerous sexual offenders apprehended in Ventura County in recent history,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker said. “I am indebted to the brave victims in this case who not only resisted Ruelas when he attacked but had the courage to testify in court and ensure he can never target women again.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Eric Ramirez (DOB 08/02/91), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 2, 2024, to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud.

Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to five years in county jail and a fine up to $50,000, or double the amount of fraud, whichever is greater.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Lane Yudell (DOB 05/10/67), of Simi Valley, has been charged with three counts of grand theft, seven counts of forgery, and three counts of money laundering. Yudell, a real estate agent, is also charged with several special allegations, including the defendant taking advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense, and the victim being particularly vulnerable.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today a distribution of $10,000 to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County. This funding is made available from money seized in drug crimes, with the intent to redirect it toward programs that combat drug abuse. The forfeited funds will support addiction services within the Ventura County Medical Center.

“The Health Care Foundation for Ventura County has a history of providing essential medical care to the region and for some of our most vulnerable residents,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “This contribution signifies our commitment to supporting treatment services and fostering healthier communities.”