In a joint news conference held on January 18, 2023, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff discuss the murder of Jose Velasquez and the 11 felony charges filed against Rotherie Foster for the crime.
News Releases
Sanctuary Ordered to Pay Penalties for Housing Exotic Animals Without Permit
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County Superior Court has approved a stipulated judgment resolving violations committed by Born to Be Free, Inc., an animal sanctuary operating in Frazier Park, for the unpermitted possession of multiple restricted species. The judgment imposes a permanent injunction, civil penalties, and reimbursement of investigative… Read More
Simi Valley Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Domestic Violence Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cesar Manuel Zavala (DOB 12/12/85), of Simi Valley, has been charged in a domestic violence case with the attempted murder of his girlfriend. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon and the crime involving great violence. Today, Zavala… Read More
Ventura County Again Ranked Safest Large County in California
Ventura County law enforcement agencies are proud to highlight new findings from the State of the Region Report 2025, published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance, which once again identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California. According to the report, Ventura County recorded 16.67 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, the lowest… Read More
Hawthorne Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder of Estranged Wife in Simi Valley
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, was convicted by a jury of the first-degree murder of Rachel Castillo, the mother of their children. Ms. Castillo was in the process of divorcing the defendant, and the divorce was nearly complete at the time Ali murdered her. The… Read More
Three Juveniles Sentenced for Hate Crimes in Simi Valley Regal Cinema Assault Case
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that all three juveniles charged with hate crime allegations in connection with the August 1, 2025, assault at the Simi Valley Regal Cinema have now been sentenced. The final minor charged with a hate crime was sentenced on November 19, 2025, to serve 270 days, consisting of… Read More
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Ventura County District Attorney and Sheriff Joint Press Conference January 18, 2023
Family Justice Center Restraining Order Workshop
The Ventura County Family Justice Center is holding a new restraining order workshop for those in need. Demand for this service has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. The workshops will be three days a week. Two days in English and one day in Spanish.
If you need help or information between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, call us at (805) 652-7655, text us at (805) 947-7981, or email vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Centro de Justicia Familiar – Taller de órdenes de restricción contra la Violencia Doméstica
El Centro de Justicia Familiar del Condado de Ventura está organizando un nuevo taller sobre órdenes de restricción para los necesitados. La demanda de este servicio se ha disparado durante los años de la pandemia. Los talleres serán tres días a la semana. Dos días en Inglés y un día en Español.
Si necesita ayuda o información entre las 8:00 am y las 5:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, llámenos al (805) 652-7655, envíenos un mensaje de texto al (805) 947-7981 o envíe un correo electrónico a vcfjc.coop@venturacounty.gov.
Notable Cases
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodney Rey Yanez (DOB 03/11/69), of Oxnard, has been charged with the second-degree murder of Dylan Rusch. This 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, fentanyl, to a victim who overdosed…
2013 People v. Kenneth Powell, Katie Rose, and Paul Lascola
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted one of the largest real estate investment fraud schemes uncovered in the county involving victim losses exceeding $3 million.
2012 People v. Calvin Sharp
In August 2007, Calvin Sharp chased down, attacked, and brutally killed a 6-year-old boy, Sev’n Molina, with a meat cleaver. When Sev’n’s mother, Sandra Ruiz, tried to stop the attack, Sharp attacked her as well, causing major life-long injuries. A neighbor, Diane Cox, also attempted to intervene and suffered serious injuries at the hands of…
Public Reports
November 7, 2024
Report on the April 7, 2023, shooting of Cristian Baltazar-Torres by Oxnard Police Officer Jarrod Sheffield.
May 28, 2024
Report on the March 12, 2023, shooting of Adam Barcenas by Oxnard Police Department Officer Shayn Schwartz.
May 28, 2024
Report on the April 28, 2022, shooting of Derrick Padilla by Simi Valley Police Department Senior Officer David Maupin and Officer Daniel Stradling