Former School Counselor Held to Answer on All Charges in Child Molestation Case Involving 15 Victims
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that David Lane Braff Jr. (DOB 05/28/82), of Thousand Oaks, has been held to answer on all charges following a preliminary hearing in Ventura County Superior Court. The judge found sufficient evidence for Braff to stand trial on 33 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14, related to 15 victims. The charges carry special allegations that Braff committed offenses against multiple victims, took advantage of a position of trust, targeted particularly vulnerable victims, and committed the crimes with planning and sophistication.
Kevin Ray James Pleads Guilty to 1997 Bank Robbery Murder of Monica Leech
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kevin Ray James (DOB 09/23/67), of San Bernardino, has pled guilty to the 1997 murder of Monica Leech during an armed bank robbery in Thousand Oaks, and admitted that he personally used a firearm during the commission of the crime. As part of the plea, James will receive a sentence of 19 years to life in state prison. The Leech and Cavaletto families shared that the resolution provides them with a sense of closure after decades of uncertainty and heartbreak: Losing Monica has been an unbearable tragedy. While nothing can bring her back, we are pleased that the defendant has accepted responsibility for her death. This outcome brings a sense of justice and accountability and allows us to begin moving forward while honoring Monica’s memory. We want to thank investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and prosecutors and investigators with the Ventura County…
Legislation Created and Co-Sponsored in 2024
Assembly Bill 1779 – Combats Organized Retail Theft This crucial legislation, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed by Governor Newsom on August 16, 2024, strengthens California’s ability to combat organized retail theft, a growing concern for business owners and communities across the state. “Organized retail theft is not just a financial crime but a threat to the safety of our communities,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “With the passage of AB 1779, we now have a powerful tool to hold these criminals accountable for crimes against Ventura County businesses, even when their schemes involve crimes in other counties.” Assembly Bill 1831 – Outlaws AI-Generated CSAM Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1831, strengthening laws against child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including AI-generated content. Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman and co-sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, AB 1831 addresses the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology capable of creating…
In The Courtroom
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Marks the first time the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a defendant who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug. Thousand Oaks Man Sentenced to 50-plus years to life for Murder, Torture Saul Nava was previously convicted by a jury of nine felony counts including the first-degree murder and torture of his girlfriend, Alisen Takacs-Escobar, and the torture and kidnapping of a previous girlfriend who survived his abuse. Suspected Serial Killer Charged with 1977 Murders Investigators from the Ventura County Cold Case Unit arrested Warren Luther Alexander, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, on three counts of murder, related to a series of strangulation murders that occurred in 1977. Woodland Hills Man Sentenced for Serial Assaults on Hikers & Sleeping Victims Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas (DOB 03/24/82), of Woodland Hills, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, to 32 years to life…
July 19, 2022
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Tiburcio Emeterio Martinez (DOB 08/11/76), of Ventura, was sentenced by Judge Anthony Sabo to 26 years prison for child molestation, incest, and other sex crimes perpetrated against his minor child.
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