News Releases

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Joel James Gonzales (DOB 02/11/96), of Ventura, pled guilty to one count of felony lewd acts on a dependent adult. Today’s plea follows a mistrial on that count during his recent trial. On July 22, 2024, the jury convicted Gonzales of the attempted murder of a six-year-old girl, felony assault with intent to commit rape during a burglary, and misdemeanor aggravated trespassing. Several special allegations and aggravating factors were also found true, including Gonzales causing great bodily injury in commission of a felony, the crime involving great violence, the victim being vulnerable, and the defendant taking advantage of a position of trust. A mistrial was declared because the jury deadlocked on whether the attempted murder was premeditated and deliberate. As part of today’s disposition, Gonzales withdrew his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

“The defendant’s plea and convictions today enable each of the victims to receive the justice and closure they deserve,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Tom Steele, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office applauds the signing of Assembly Bill 1779 by Governor Gavin Newsom. 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.

AB 1779, sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, amends Penal Code section 786.5, granting county district attorneys the authority to consolidate related theft offenses occurring across multiple counties into a single prosecution. Consolidated prosecutions under AB 1779 will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with these complex and often violent crimes.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Matthew Glenn Longwill (DOB 08/25/74), of Ventura, has been charged with one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He pled not guilty at today’s arraignment.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Warren Luther Alexander (DOB 01/12/51), of Diamondhead, Mississippi, pled not guilty at today’s arraignment. Alexander is charged with three counts of first-degree murder related to a series of strangulation murders that occurred in 1977.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Andre Jon Castro (DOB 08/21/87), of Oxnard, has been charged with one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He is also charged with the special allegation that the victim was vulnerable. Castro pled not guilty at today’s arraignment.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Luis Meza Jr. (DOB 10/30/90), of Oxnard, has been charged with multiple sexual assault crimes related to an attack that occurred in 2020. Meza is charged with committing acts of forcible oral copulation, sexual battery by restraint, and assault with intent to commit forcible sexually motivated crimes. It is also alleged that Meza is eligible for sentencing under California’s Three Strikes Law. Meza pled not guilty at yesterday’s arraignment.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jameson Paul Johnson (DOB 11/12/82), a transient from Ventura, was sentenced on August 12, 2024, to 62 years to life in state prison for the sexual abuse and rape of a child. Johnson was previously convicted by a jury on March 1, 2024, of 13 felony counts, including six counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child, six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and one count of forcible rape. The jury and judge also found true special allegations and enhancements connected to various counts, including allegations that the crimes involved great violence, the victim was particularly vulnerable, and Johnson engaged in substantial sexual conduct with the victim.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Andrew Sapien (DOB 12/20/79), of Port Hueneme, was convicted by a jury of 13 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child. The jury also found true all aggravating circumstances and special allegations, including the three victims were under the age of 14, they were vulnerable, that Sapien engaged in substantial sexual conduct, and that he took advantage of a position of trust.

“I commend the victims for their extraordinary courage in standing up to their abuser and telling the truth,” Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Moreno said. “Their unwavering bravery has led to justice being served today.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Michael Ortega (DOB 03/05/00), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury on August 9, 2024, of murdering John Paul Carrillo. The jury also found Ortega guilty of multiple gun charges, including felony possession of a gun with methamphetamine, felony possession of a gun by a felon, and felony possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

“Hopefully, the verdict brings some form of solace to the family who lost their grandson to a group of men intent on enforcing territory claimed by a gang,” Ms. Pollara said. “The jury very carefully deliberated before returning verdicts reflecting the culpability of the defendant.”

August 8, 2024, news conference on the Warren Luther Alexander case from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.