Ohio Man Convicted of Committing Forcible Rape While on Vacation in Oxnard
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Baum (01/11/67), of Fairlawn, Ohio, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of forcible rape. An aggravating factor that the crime involved great violence was also found to be true. Deputy District Attorney Julia McAndrew, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case. “This verdict affirms that survivors of sexual violence have the right to be heard, believed, and protected, and that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable,” Ms. McAndrew said. “It is my hope that this outcome brings the victim of this case a meaningful measure of justice.”
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Why am I a witness? I didn’t see the crime happen.
Witnesses are not limited to eye witnesses. You may not have seen the crime happen but you may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or you may know something that contradicts another witness’s testimony. If you wonder why you are testifying in a particular case, you may ask the prosecutor who issued the subpoena.
If I miss work to testify, will the district attorney pay for my loss in wages?
Generally, witnesses, apart from experts retained by the parties, must come to court to testify about matters that they have knowledge of without payment. It is a civic duty imposed upon all citizens in order to insure a just and fair judicial system.
If I get a subpoena do I have to go to court?
When you receive a subpoena from the District Attorney’s Office, please call our Witness Coordination Unit for further instructions. From Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, Saticoy and Ventura, please call (805) 654-3006. From other areas inside California, call (800) 692-8887. From outside California, you may call collect to (805) 654-3006. Para asistencia en Español, llame (805) 654-3708.
As a witness, do I have to talk in front of the defendant when I am in court?
Yes. The defendant has the right to be present in court to hear what all the witnesses say about him or her. Both the prosecutor and the defendant’s attorney will ask you questions.
Who is the victim advocate assigned to my case?
Please call our office at (805) 654-3622 to obtain this information.
The judge ordered the defendant to pay restitution to me but I have not received anything. Who can help me?
If the defendant is on probation, restitution is usually paid through the Court Collections Department and you may call them at (805) 639-5010. If the defendant is on formal probation, you may also contact the assigned probation officer by calling the Probation Agency at (805) 654-2132.
I was the victim of a violent crime. Will your office pay for my medical bills? Will your office help me collect for lost wages and for pain and suffering?
We may be able to help you recover medical expenses and other financial losses. Other services may also be available to you. Please contact our Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit or call (805) 654-3622 for more information.
I was the victim of a crime. What services are available to me?
Our Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit offers a variety of services to victims of crime. You may also call (805) 654-3622 to inquire about what services may be available to you as a crime victim.