News Releases

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), recognizing the importance of supporting victims and honoring those who advocate for their rights. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating communities on the prevalence of sexual violence and the importance of prevention.

As part of this observance, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will host a Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at California Lutheran University’s Kingsmen Park. The event, taking place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend to support victims, raise awareness, and honor those dedicated to seeking justice.

“The focus of this year’s event is to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent sexual assault,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “We stand with survivors, support prevention efforts, and honor those who work tirelessly to seek justice.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that John Williams (DOB 03/04/93), of Ventura, has been charged with six felony counts and three misdemeanors in connection with vandalism involving swastikas on public and private property.

Williams is charged with three felony counts of vandalism for damage exceeding $400, three felony hate crime counts of placing a terrorizing symbol on private property, two misdemeanor counts of vandalism, and one misdemeanor count of possession of a stun gun by a convicted felon. He also faces special allegations for committing the crimes while on parole and having a prior strike conviction.

“Vandalism involving vile symbols like swastikas is more than just property damage. It is a hate-filled message intended to spread fear, sow division and endanger our communities,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will aggressively prosecute the defendant to ensure accountability and uphold public safety.”

Williams was arraigned on April 2, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. His early disposition conference is set for April 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $250,000.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that   Charles Edward Gaines III (DOB 07/05/96), was convicted of forcible sex crimes committed against three women. Gaines was also convicted of attempting to rape a fourth victim.

On February 25, 2025, a jury convicted Gaines of forcible sodomy and attempted rape of two victims. The jury deadlocked on other charges. Today, Gaines pled guilty to forcibly raping the two additional victims and admitted that one of the victims was a minor at the time of the attack.

“Gaines targeted women who were vulnerable,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker said. “But what he didn’t count on was their bravery. The courage these women showed by assisting in this investigation and then coming to court and sharing what he did to them was exceptional. Their actions served to protect others from being victimized by Gaines.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nitun “Nate” Dayalghai Ahir (DOB 6/17/1981) was arraigned on March 28, 2025, on a felony complaint for the crimes of unlicensed practice of medicine, fraudulent use of the terms “doctor” or “physician,” theft from an elder or dependent adult by a caretaker, and identity theft. Ahir is also charged with several aggravating factors, including that the victim was vulnerable and the defendant took advantage of a position of trust. He pled not guilty to all charges.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on September 25, 2023, Diego Galvan (DOB 09/09/86), of Oxnard, pled guilty to one count of reckless driving while evading a peace officer and one count of insurance fraud. Both are felonies.

The $640,000 grant will fund bilingual Spanish-speaking victim advocates, a legal processing assistant, administrative assistant, and necessary equipment at the new 545-555 South A Street location from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved acceptance of the grant today.