News Releases

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week in the California State Senate Public Safety Committee in support of Assembly Bill 1344, a measure aimed at significantly enhancing public safety. Authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, the bill would authorize district attorneys to directly petition the courts for Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), commonly referred to as “Red Flag Laws.” These judicial orders allow a judge to temporarily prohibit firearm possession by individuals who pose a significant danger to themselves or others.

AB 1344 passed unopposed from the Senate Public Safety Committee following testimony from District Attorney Nasarenko and a representative from Giffords Law Center, the national gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Francisco Garcia (DOB 10/07/68), of Oxnard, has been convicted by a jury of second-degree murder for the DUI crash that killed Elicia Lopez-Hernandez in 2018. The jury also found Garcia guilty of two felony DUI counts that resulted in great bodily injury to another victim, and felony fleeing the scene of an accident after causing serious injury. Several special allegations and aggravating factors were found true, including the crime involved great violence, the victim was vulnerable, and Garcia engaged in violent conduct.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Edward Andrews prosecuted the case.

“The jury’s verdict today recognizes the devastating consequences of the defendant’s actions,” Mr. Andrews said. “The defendant took the life of a woman who only sought to help others, grievously injured another good Samaritan, then he fled rather than face what he did. After a long and challenging process, these convictions bring a measure of closure to the victim’s family. It also sends a clear message: repeated acts of drinking and driving can be deadly. This conviction enhances public safety for our Ventura County community.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Neil Liam Reb (DOB 11/07/03), of Oak Park, has been charged with two counts of felony gross vehicular manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Alejandro and Maria Ramirez. Reb also faces a special allegation that the crime is a serious felony.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Curtis Frank Lemons (DOB 12/31/56), currently living in Atoka, Tennessee, but formerly from Camarillo, was sentenced to two years in state prison for misappropriating $200,000 from an Oxnard church. Lemons previously pleaded guilty on April 4, 2025, to three felony counts: two for grand theft and one for money laundering.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Hurtado (DOB 03/30/93), of Santa Paula, pled guilty on June 16, 2025, to two felony counts related to the beating of a sea lion suffering on a Ventura beach from recent algae blooms. Hurtado changed his plea just ahead of trial, admitting to one count of cruelty to an animal and possession of a hard drug. He also admitted to all special allegations and aggravating factors including a prior strike and that the sea lion was vulnerable.

“Ventura County was outraged by the violence this defendant inflicted on a defenseless animal,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “The nature of this senseless attack shocked our conscience and called for aggressive prosecution.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Hector Murrillo (DOB 10/14/95), of Oxnard, pled guilty on June 12, 2025, to one count of felony automobile insurance fraud.

Murrillo is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to five years in county jail and a fine up to $50,000, or double the amount of fraud, whichever is greater. The District Attorney’s Office will be seeking restitution on behalf of Progressive Insurance.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kevin Ray James (DOB 09/23/67), of San Bernardino, was sentenced on June 13, 2025, to 19 years to life in state prison for the 1997 murder of Monica Leech during an armed bank robbery in Thousand Oaks. James previously pled guilty on May 16, 2025, and admitted that he personally used a firearm during the commission of the crime.

Monica’s family, friends, and co-workers spoke at the sentencing hearing, providing victim impact statements.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Simi Valley Police Chief Steve Shorts held a news conference today, announcing the arrests and charges filed against four members of a sophisticated burglary crew. Manuel David Ibarra, Sergio Andres Meji-Machuca, Camilo Antonio Aguliar Lara, and Heidy Nickolt Trujillo are each charged with four felony counts. Two counts of conspiracy to commit commercial burglary and two counts of Conspiracy to receive stolen property in connection with the May 25, 2025, break-in at 5-Star Jewelry store and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee shop in Simi Valley. The defendants also face special allegations of excessive loss over $3 million, and theft or damage in concert with others. These special allegations are newly allowed thanks to voter approved proposition 36.

The Simi Valley Police Department and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will hold a joint news conference to announce the arrests and charges filed against four individuals in connection with the May 25, 2025, burglary of 5 Star Jewelry in Simi Valley.

The arrests were made on June 10, 2025, following an investigation by the Simi Valley Police Department, with charges filed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on June 12. Chief Shorts and District Attorney Nasarenko will provide an overview of the investigation and charges during the news conference, which will take place at the scene of the crime.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ricardo Fausto Nunez (DOB 12/24/84), of Moorpark, has been charged after his 10-year-old son allegedly brought live ammunition to school. Nunez faces 11 felonies, including two counts of possession of an assault weapon and nine counts of possession of a large-capacity magazine. He also faces one misdemeanor count of child endangerment. The complaint includes a special allegation that the victim was particularly vulnerable. Nunez was arraigned on June 10, 2025, in Ventura County Superior Court, where he pled not guilty to all charges.

“This case is a stark reminder of the importance of safely storing all firearms and ammunition, especially when children are in the home,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Gun owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their weapons are secured and inaccessible to minors. Failing to do so puts everyone at risk, particularly our children.”