News Releases

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Miguel De Jesus Marquez (DOB 07/20/00), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 4, 2026, to one felony count of luring, for his conduct while communicating with a minor on social media.

“This case is a stark reminder that social media can be used to exploit and manipulate minors,” Deputy District Attorney Morgan Luna said. “Parents and guardians need to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives, know who they’re communicating with, monitor their apps, and have ongoing conversations about online safety.”

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, pled guilty today to all counts and allegations related to the death of Paul Kessler. Alnaji pled guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and felony battery causing serious bodily injury. He admitted the special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury. Alnaji also admitted aggravating factors that he used a weapon and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

VENTURA Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zuberi Kalaikulokahiokalani Sharp (DOB 03/26/00), of Newbury Park, was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the second-degree murder of his 15-year-old half-brother, Zayde.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that Britney Spears resolved her DUI case at her first court appearance today, May 4, 2026, in Ventura County Superior Court. Prosecutors originally filed one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. At arraignment this morning, the case was resolved with a plea to reckless driving involving alcohol and an impairing drug. Ms. Spears’ attorney appeared for her and entered the guilty plea on her behalf.

This resolution is consistent with standard prosecutorial practice in cases involving defendants with no prior DUI history, a low blood alcohol level, and no collision or injuries.

“Ms. Spears took responsibility for this misdemeanor offense, entering a guilty plea at the earliest stage and two months from the day she was arrested,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and doing so recklessly and erratically is an extremely serious crime endangering everyone on our roads and freeways.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Javier Gomez (DOB 11/22/05), of Thousand Oaks, pled guilty on April 27, 2026, in Ventura County Superior Court for a racially-motivated baseball bat attack on an African American man. Gomez pled guilty to one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. He also admitted all aggravating factors and charged special allegations, including the gang allegation, hate crime allegation and causing great bodily injury.

“The victim and his wife showed tremendous courage by testifying at the preliminary hearing and confronting hate head on,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “Our community will not tolerate hate-fueled violence or gang-related intimidation.”

Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is expected to be sentenced to five years in state prison.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation will be hosting a community presentation to share required annual military equipment reports with the public. All Ventura County residents are welcome to attend.

The Military Equipment Annual Reports for both agencies are available on our websites:
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (sheriff.venturacounty.gov)
Policies and Procedures – Ventura County District Attorney (DA.VenturaCounty.gov)

Community Presentation Details:
Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026
Where: Camarillo Police Department – 3701 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010
When: 2:00 p.m.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Simranjit Singh Sekhon (DOB 01/07/90), of Bakersfield, has been held to answer on charges of rape of an unconscious person and kidnapping to commit rape. On April 15, 2026, following testimony by both the victim and the investigating detective, the court found sufficient evidence to hold Sekhon to answer on both counts and aggravating factors.

Sekhon is scheduled to be arraigned on the information April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He is out of custody after posting $500,000 bond.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified this week before the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources in support of Assembly Bill 2075 (AB 2075), legislation aimed at strengthening wildfire prevention laws and clarifying fire safety requirements during vegetation clearing operations.

The bill passed unanimously out of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on a 14-0 vote as amended and will now be re-referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Baum (01/11/67), of Fairlawn, Ohio, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of forcible rape. An aggravating factor that the crime involved great violence was also found to be true.

Deputy District Attorney Julia McAndrew, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.

“This verdict affirms that survivors of sexual violence have the right to be heard, believed, and protected, and that those who commit these crimes will be held accountable,” Ms. McAndrew said. “It is my hope that this outcome brings the victim of this case a meaningful measure of justice.”