News Releases

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.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that on October 22, 2025, a second amended complaint was filed against David Lane Braff, Jr. (DOB 05/28/82), of Thousand Oaks, alleging two additional victims. Braff now faces charges related to a total of 15 victims and 33 counts of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14. Today, Braff was arraigned and pled not guilty to the additional charges. Braff remains in custody at the Ventura County Jail without bail following the denial of Braff’s motion to have bail set.

One of the newly alleged victims is from Braff’s tenure at McKevett Elementary School in Santa Paula, where he worked as a school counselor between 2015 and 2019. The other newly alleged victim is from his time at Bright Star Schools in Los Angeles, where he worked from approximately November 2019 through December 2021.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., which has 499 locations in California, has entered into a Stipulated Judgment and will pay $246,000 in civil penalties, restitution, and costs to resolve allegations of violating California’s gift card redemption law.

The complaint, filed in Ventura County on behalf of the District Attorney’s Offices of Ventura, Los Angeles, Sonoma, and Shasta counties, alleged that Chipotle unlawfully denied consumers the right to cash out gift cards with balances of less than $10. California Civil Code section 1749.5 provides that consumers holding gift cards valued under $10 may request a cash refund rather than spending the remaining balance.

“California law ensures that consumers can keep every dollar that is rightfully theirs,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This settlement not only holds Chipotle accountable but also guarantees that consumers can easily obtain the refunds the law provides. I want to thank our partner counties, Los Angeles, Sonoma, and Shasta, for their collaboration and commitment to protecting consumers across California.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesse Andrew Mendoza (DOB 02/01/05), of Santa Barbara, was sentenced on October 21, 2025, to 11 years state prison for assaulting a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer during a 2024 DUI arrest. Mendoza was previously convicted by a Ventura County jury on August 15, 2025. The jury found Mendoza guilty of felony assault on a peace officer, assault, escape from arrest, resisting an officer, and driving under the influence. Prior strike special allegations were also found true by the judge.

“The safety of the Ventura community, including our peace officers, is our top priority,” said Deputy District Attorney Jillian Ewan who prosecuted the case. “Those who endanger the public by driving under the influence and commit acts of violence against peace officers will be held accountable.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Margarita Jimenez (DOB 02/03/91), of Oxnard, and Jorge Garfias (DOB 08/31/87), of Ventura, have been sentenced for the first-degree murder of Yanelly Vargas. Jimenez was sentenced to 80 years to life in state prison. Garfias was sentenced to 25 years to life behind bars. Both were previously convicted by a jury on September 5, 2025. The jury also found true the special allegation that Jimenez personally and intentionally discharged a firearm. Jimenez and Garfias were found not guilty of kidnapping the victim. On September 8, 2025, Jimenez admitted her strike prior, serious felony prior, and other aggravating factors. The court found aggravating factors for Garfias true, including that he took advantage of a position of trust.