News Releases

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Angel Ramirez (DOB 02/10/07), of Oxnard, has been charged with murder for the shooting of Alejandro Soto. Ramirez is also charged with shooting at an occupied vehicle and faces the special allegations of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and commission of a felony after release on bail.

Ramirez made his first court appearance today. His arraignment was continued to December 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $2 million.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, along with 11 other California District Attorneys, has reached a $3.15 million settlement with Clark Pest Control of Stockton (Clark), Orkin Services of California (Orkin), and Crane Pest Control (Crane). The judgment resolves allegations that the companies violated California laws involving the unlawful disposal of pesticides, hazardous waste, and the failure to take reasonable steps to protect customer personal information.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jannier Misael Urbina-Avila (DOB 02/02/93), of Ventura, has been charged with forcible rape, kidnapping to commit rape, and assault with intent to commit rape for the sexual assault that occurred at Kellogg Park on November 9, 2025. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support a specialized prosecution team that handles alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We remain firmly committed to protecting our community from impaired driving,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachelle Dean said. “Support from the Office of Traffic Safety gives our prosecutors the resources they need to effectively pursue these cases and keep Ventura County’s roads safe.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Zavala (DOB 06/13/85), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of four felony counts of sexual abuse against two minor victims. Zavala was found guilty of three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Several special allegations were also found true, including that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence and that the victims were particularly vulnerable.

“The two young victims in this case showed exceptional courage by testifying in open court and confronting the person who harmed them,” Senior Deputy DA Michael Kern said. “Their strength made this verdict possible and reinforces that Ventura County will not tolerate crimes of this nature.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jabari Emil DeShields (DOB 08/15/89), of Simi Valley, has been charged with five counts of lewd acts upon a child with the special allegation that the two victims were vulnerable. DeShields made his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court today and pled not guilty to all charges.

At the time of his arrest, DeShields was working for Simi Valley High School as an assistant basketball coach.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is announcing today that it has concluded its review of the Balcom and Mountain Fires, finding no criminal liability for the October 30, 2024, and November 6, 2024, incidents.

“As prosecutors, we focus on the question of criminal responsibility, but we recognize that no legal finding can undo the profound loss suffered by so many in the Mountain Fire,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Our hearts go out to the residents whose homes, ranches, orchards and properties were damaged and destroyed, and their sense of security forever altered.”

VENTURA, Calif. –District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that two of the five juveniles involved in the August 1, 2025, Simi Valley movie theater assault, admitted to felony assault and hate crimes. One of the two juveniles also admitted his involvement in a criminal threat case that occurred at the same location on May 30, 2025.

VENTURA, Calif. –District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gabriel Torres (DOB 04/02/04), of Port Hueneme, was sentenced to 32 years in state prison for attempted murder. He was previously convicted by a jury on July 31, 2025. The jury also found true the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the crime, as well as allegations that he inflicted great bodily injury, committed the offense with great violence, was armed with a weapon at the time of the offense, and engaged in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society.

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Luis Meza Jr. (DOB 10/30/90), of Oxnard, was sentenced yesterday to 18 years 8 months in state prison for the sexual assault of a female truck driver. Meza Jr. pled guilty on September 29, 2025, to the felony charges of assault with intent to commit rape and forcible oral copulation. He also admitted several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the commission of a prior strike offense.