Ventura County District Attorney Files Civil Environmental Enforcement Action Alleging Unlawful Streambed Alteration Near Santa Paula
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed a civil environmental enforcement action against Guadalupe A. Guzman, the Lupe and Carmen Guzman Revocable Family Trust, Santa Paula Hay and Grain and Ranches, LLC, and related defendants for alleged unlawful streambed alteration, diversion, grading, and pollution activities on multiple ranch properties near Wheeler Canyon Road east of Santa Paula. “The allegations in this case describe significant and permanent damage to Ventura County’s natural landscape,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “According to the complaint, waterways, streambeds, and surrounding habitats were altered in ways that may leave environmental scars for generations. Our office is committed to enforcing California’s environmental protection laws, holding offenders accountable, and forcing bad actors to pay for their alleged natural resources destruction.”
Santa Paula Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Child Molestation
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Leonel Galindo Galindo (DOB 03/20/89), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for molesting two minor victims. Galindo previously pled guilty June 22, 2026, to eight counts of lewd acts upon a child and admitted the aggravating factor that he took advantage of a position of trust and confidence. “The defendant relied on silence and fear to shield him from accountability,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber. “But the courage of the survivors proved stronger than both. This sentence reflects their strength and the justice they fought so hard to obtain.”
Moorpark Man Sentenced for Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that William Cornelis Boer (DOB 04/20/63), of Moorpark, was sentenced on July 28, 2026, to 10 years in state prison. Boer previously pled guilty on June 29, 2026, to possessing explosives and assault with a deadly weapon, with a firearm enhancement. Boer also admitted the aggravating factor that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism. The conviction is a strike offense under California law.
Felony Charges Filed in Complex Fraud Scam Targeting Elderly
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the filing of felony charges against Yongan Ma (DOB 10/18/81), of Rosemead, California. Ma is charged with conspiracy to commit grand theft, conspiracy to commit elder fraud, and grand theft from an elder or dependent adult for his alleged role in an elder fraud scheme against a Thousand Oaks victim. Anyone who believes they or a loved one has been the victim of a similar scam is encouraged to contact District Attorney Investigator Eric Jensen at (805) 662-1750. The District Attorney’s Office urges all Ventura County residents, especially seniors, to be on the lookout for these common scam warning signs:
Yoakum Sentenced to 46 years for Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Jalen Amir Yoakum (DOB 08/07/00), of Lancaster, has been sentenced to 46 years in state prison for trafficking, exploiting, and abusing a young woman over several months. Yoakum was previously convicted by a jury on June 29, 2026, of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, pimping, pandering by encouragement, corporal injury to a cohabitant, and dissuading a witness by force or threat. Several special allegations and aggravating factors were also found true, including that Yoakum has a prior strike conviction, engaged in violent conduct, targeted a particularly vulnerable victim and involved another person in the commission of the crimes. “This sentence delivers justice not only for the victim, whose courage exposed the defendant’s exploitation and abuse, but also for every person harmed by his violence,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly said. “The People are grateful to the Court for recognizing the seriousness…
Judge Finds Enough Evidence for Trial in Bribery Case Against Thousand Oaks Building Inspector
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ray Allen Villanueva III (DOB 10/21/66) of Moorpark, and Jimmy Daniel Coronado (DOB 09/12/81) of Oxnard, have been held to answer following a preliminary hearing on July 22, 2026, for allegations they solicited a bribe from a contractor in return for a building permit in the City of Thousand Oaks. Villanueva is a building inspector for the City of Thousand Oaks. Both men are charged with one felony count of bribery. “The public deserves confidence that building permits are issued based on the law, not personal favors or financial incentives,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “When local government authority is allegedly used to seek personal benefit, our institutions are undermined and public officials must be held accountable.”
Port Hueneme Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Molestation
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Mathew Gomez (DOB 05/21/86), of Port Hueneme, was sentenced on July 15, 2026, to 22 years in state prison for child molestation. Gomez previously pled guilty on June 15, 2026, to three felony counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child, one felony count of unlawful transfer of a firearm, and possession for sale of a controlled substance. Gomez also admitted to the aggravating factor of the victim being particularly vulnerable.
Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Awarded Nearly $900,000 to Combat Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has been awarded $898,840 from the California Department of Insurance to continue investigating and prosecuting workers’ compensation insurance fraud during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The grant, awarded through the California Department of Insurance Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Program, funds the District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Unit. This multidisciplinary team includes prosecutors, investigators, an investigative assistant, a forensic accountant, and an administrative assistant who work to combat insurance fraud.
Ventura Man Charged with Murder for Deadly Shooting
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gregory Lide (DOB 11/24/73), of Ventura, has been charged with murder for the shooting death of 34-year-old Brittney Stark. Lide is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance with a firearm. Both are felonies. He faces special allegations, including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm and a strike prior. Lide made his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court today and his arraignment was continued to July 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13. He remains in custody without bail.
Los Angeles Men Charged with Stealing $105,000 Corvette from T.O. Dealership
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that felony charges have been filed against two Los Angeles men accused of breaking into a Thousand Oaks auto dealership and stealing a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette valued at more than $105,000. John Lene Ivy (DOB 02/06/1987) and Brandon Montel Taylor (DOB 05/15/1997), both of Los Angeles, are each charged with one felony count of unlawful taking of a vehicle and one felony count of second-degree commercial burglary. The men also face several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the loss exceeded $50,000. Ivy is further charged with a prior strike conviction. “The outstanding work of Ventura County Sheriff’s detectives not only identified the suspects in this case but also led to the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles connected to crimes in other communities,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “This investigation demonstrates how strong police work and regional cooperation can disrupt organized auto theft…