Oxnard Man Convicted of Molesting Two Victims
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that John Edward Kalil (DOB 07/11/96), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury on April 28, 2025, of six felony counts of child molestation. The jury also found true the special allegations there were multiple victims and Kalil committed substantial sexual conduct.
Investigation Leads to Five More Victims in David Braff Child Molestation Case
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that additional charges have been filed against David Lane Braff, Jr. (DOB 05/28/82), of Thousand Oaks, following an ongoing investigation conducted by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation. The amended complaint brings the total number of charged victims to 13 and the total number of charged violations to 31 counts of child molestation against male and female victims. Braff will be arraigned on the amended complaint on May 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Investigación Lleva a Cinco Victimas Mas en el Caso de David Braff por Abuso Infantil El Fiscal de Distrito Erik Nasarenko anunció hoy que se han presentado cargos adicionales contra David Lane Braff, Jr. (FDN 05/28/82), de Thousand Oaks, como resultado de la investigación en curso llevada a cabo por el Departamento de Investigación del Fiscal de Distrito. El 29 de abril…
Port Hueneme Man Convicted of Raping Victim with Alzheimer’s Disease
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Joseph Lynn Johnson (DOB 02/14/79), of Port Hueneme, has been convicted by a jury of raping an incompetent person. A judge also found true the aggravating factor that the victim was particularly vulnerable. Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case. “We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration and for delivering a verdict that brings justice to the victim,” Ms. Reber said. “This defendant exploited the vulnerability of a woman who deserved care and dignity, not manipulation and harm.”
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko Opposes Early Release for Serial Rapist Andrew Luster
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that he will continue to oppose the early release of Andrew Stuart Luster. “We will continue to strenuously oppose any early release from state prison,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Luster’s statements to the parole board demonstrate that he remains unremorseful for his crimes and unworthy of parole.” In 2003, Luster was convicted of drugging and raping three unconscious victims at his Ventura County beachfront home. He was originally sentenced to 124 years in prison, a sentence that was reduced to 50 years in 2013 despite the vehement opposition of prosecutors. During his trial, Luster fled the country, only to be captured by bounty hunter Duane “The Dog” Chapman.
Childhood Matters Wellness Center Opens Its Doors with Launch Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Childhood Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families through mental health support, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Childhood Matters Wellness Center (CMWC) on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at 2982 Martha Drive in Ventura.
Defendant Extradited from Mexico in 1998 Ventura Murder Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Manuel Alejandro Vasquez (DOB 02/10/78), a defendant in the 1998 murder of Felipe Arambula, has been extradited from Mexico. Vasquez is charged with murder, attempted kidnapping, first-degree residential burglary, and false imprisonment by violence. He also faces a special allegation of murder during a kidnapping. Vasquez made his first court appearance in Ventura County Superior Court on April 17, 2025. He fled to Mexico before charges were filed for the 1998 murder.
Owner of Former Ventura Dry Cleaning Business Settles Hazardous Waste Case
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit has reached a civil settlement with Shija Cho, the former owner of Unique Cleaners in Ventura, for the improper disposal of hazardous waste. The case stems from the abandonment of hazardous materials, including dry cleaning chemicals containing perchloroethylene (PERC), discovered in Los Angeles County and traced back to Unique Cleaners at 2307 East Main Street. Cho operated the dry-cleaning business until it closed in June 2024. “Our office is committed to protecting public health and the environment by holding businesses accountable for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This case reinforces the responsibility business owners have to manage toxic waste responsibly, from generation to final disposal.”
Fishing Boat Captain Fined for Polluting Local Waters
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that William Porter McHenry, a commercial fishing boat captain, has been ordered to pay fines for illegally dumping toxic waste into California waters. McHenry owns and operates McHenry Fisheries, Inc., which runs the 67-foot commercial fishing vessel Sea Pearl. On December 6, 2024, McHenry allowed waste known as “stick water” to be dumped into the ocean. This waste can pollute the water and harm marine life. Authorities saw the Sea Pearl heading out to sea while releasing stick water, then turning back toward shore without crossing the state waters boundary line.
Fatal Overdose Investigation Leads to Federal Indictment and Arrest
On April 11, 2025, the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) concluded a multi-year investigation into a fatal overdose that occurred in the city of Simi Valley. The investigation led to the arrest and federal indictment of 43-year-old Simi Valley resident, Michael McDevitt.
Austin Eis Sentenced to 85 Years to Life for Murder of Westlake High Student and Series of Violent Attacks
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Austin Allen Eis (DOB 05/29/98), of Camarillo, has been sentenced to 85 years to life in state prison for a violent crime spree that culminated in the murder of 15-year-old Wesley Welling and left several others severely injured. The two-day sentencing hearing was marked by a series of deeply emotional victim impact statements from survivors and family members, many sharing how Eis’ actions shattered their lives forever. Kelly Welling, Wesley’s mother, addressed the court and the defendant directly. “No nightmare I can ever have is worse than waking up to this reality—to know that the last thing my son might have seen is your face,” Kelly said in court. “You robbed me of my son and the world of a boy who would have become an amazing man. At 15, he was already more of a man than you could ever…