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
Ventura County Behavioral Health Partners with District Attorney’s Office to Implement Family Justice Centers Peer Program
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a new partnership between Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to implement the Family Justice Centers Peer Program. Funded through Proposition 63 Mental Health Services Act, VCBH is committing $1.25 million through June 30, 2026. Through this agreement, critical peer support… Read More
Los Angeles Man Charged for Selling Fentanyl on Social Media
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Jelaniwarren Joseph (DOB 04/14/2000), of Woodland Hills, has been charged for selling counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” pills containing fentanyl to Ventura County residents. Joseph faces six felony counts related to the possession and sale of fentanyl, as well as the possession of a firearm. Special allegations and… Read More
Los Angeles Gang Member Charged After High-Speed Chase, Crash
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that charges have been filed against Jalen Amir Yoakum (DOB 08/07/2000), of Lancaster, following a theft investigation that led to a high-speed pursuit and violent crash in Camarillo. Yoakum, a documented Los Angeles County gang member, faces six felony charges, including evading police causing injury, reckless driving, and… Read More
Calabasas Man Convicted of Violent Child Molestation Against Two Victims
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Micah Lanere Smith (DOB 01/14/78), of Calabasas, was convicted by a jury on January 24, 2025, of molestation against two underage victims. Smith was found guilty of five felonies: two counts of lewd acts upon a child, one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14,… Read More
Ventura County Victim Advocates Assist Fire Victims in Los Angeles
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is supporting community members impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles by deploying trained victim advocates to aid at the FEMA run Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near UCLA. This collaboration follows a request from the City of Los Angeles, for additional assistance during this unprecedented disaster response. “Our… 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@ventura.org.
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@ventura.org.
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