News Releases

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Manuel Alejandro Vasquez (DOB 02/10/78) pled guilty on September 30, 2026, to first-degree murder for the 1998 killing of Felipe Arambula in Ventura.

“I was glad to see the defendant take responsibility for his role in the murder of Felipe Arambula at an early stage in the proceedings,” Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick said. “The victim’s family has suffered so much since Mr. Arambula’s life was tragically taken from him in June 1998. This conviction won’t replace the time that the defendant and his conspirators stole from Mr. Arambula’s family, but I do hope it will bring them the peace they deserve.”

Vasquez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2026, to 25 years to life in state prison. He remains in custody without bail.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Brent William Bischoff (DOB 02/23/89), of Simi Valley, has been charged in two cases involving eight victims, with multiple human trafficking related charges. Across the two cases, Bischoff now faces seven felony counts of causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, six felony counts of pandering a minor 16 or older, one felony count of pandering a minor under 16, one felony count of pandering by encouraging, and seven misdemeanor counts of child annoyance. He is also charged with felony forgery involving a fictitious or altered bill, note or check.

“These charges involve the exploitation of children, and our office will do everything in its power to prosecute individuals who target vulnerable young people for commercial sex,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Parents and families should know that we are committed to protecting children and vigorously charging those who prey on them.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Derek Hansen Skinner (DOB 02/20/92), of Santa Paula, has been held to answer by a Ventura County Superior Court judge for a DUI crash that injured his passenger and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer. Skinner is charged with DUI of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher and causing injury. He is also charged with special allegations of causing great bodily injury (GBI) in commission of a felony and causing injury to more than one victim.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George James Salas (DOB 12/03/96), of Simi Valley, has been charged with the second-degree murder of his 11-month-old child Ariya, who died from fentanyl intoxication. Salas is also charged with one count of child abuse resulting in death, and additional drug related charges. Salas faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the crime involving great violence, the victim being particularly vulnerable and a strike prior.

Karina Lucia Yanes (DOB 02/01/96), of Simi Valley, is also charged in Ariya’s death. Yanes faces one felony count of child abuse with the special allegations of resulting in death of the child, the crime involving great violence and the victim being particularly vulnerable.

“An 11-month-old child lost her life because she was allegedly exposed to a lethal amount of this synthetic drug,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said.  “We have a duty as prosecutors to hold her parents responsible for this completely avoidable and tragic death.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jaden Joseph Pullen (DOB 01/30/98), of Ojai, changed his plea today in a case where he is charged with five sexual assault felonies against two victims. Pullen pled guilty to two counts of forcible rape, one count each of forcible oral copulation on a minor over 14, oral copulation of a person under 18, and unlawful sexual intercourse. He also admitted to the aggravating circumstance of engaging in violent conduct.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office joined a statewide enforcement action resulting in a $3.15 million settlement with Terminix International Inc. and Rentokil North America Inc. (collectively Terminix). The settlement, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, resolves allegations involving the improper handling and disposal of pesticide and hazardous waste, as well as the improper disposal of customer records containing personal information.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that former Los Angeles Police Department detective and convicted rapist Michael Douglas Brambles (DOB 11/27/48), of Santa Maria, pleaded not guilty on September 11, 2026, in connection with the 1994 kidnapping for robbery of a Thousand Oaks business owner. Brambles is charged with kidnapping to commit robbery while personally using a firearm. The complaint also alleges several aggravating circumstances, including that the crime involved great violence, the victim was particularly vulnerable, the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication or professionalism, and that Brambles engaged in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC entered into a stipulated judgment in Sonoma County Superior Court and will pay $546,600 in civil penalties, costs, fees, and restitution. The settlement resolves a civil enforcement action brought by the District Attorneys’ Offices of Ventura, Sonoma, and Los Angeles Counties alleging violations of California’s Gift Card Law.

“Every company in California is expected to follow the law, especially when those laws protect California consumers,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Andrew Reid, who prosecuted the case. “Consumers are entitled to request any balance below $15 on a gift card which they lawfully possess.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rejean Morgan Tabor (DOB 06/26/91), of Simi Valley, was found competent to stand trial in the case involving an alleged strangulation attack inside a Simi Valley Target store.

The court’s September 10, 2026, competency finding allows the criminal case to move forward. Tabor remains in custody with bail set at $750,000. He is charged with felony willful, deliberate, premeditated attempted murder, along with two misdemeanor counts of battery, one misdemeanor count of assault, and one misdemeanor count of child abuse for allegedly inflicting injury on a minor.