Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman and Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko joined Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and other California lawmakers to announce the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 469, bipartisan legislation aimed at providing law enforcement with stronger tools to combat looting and the impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other disasters.

“In times of crisis, when families are at their most vulnerable, looters prey on devastation and despair,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “This legislation strengthens protections for disaster victims by ensuring harsher penalties for those who exploit emergencies for personal gain. By increasing accountability and closing loopholes, we are sending a clear message—those who take advantage of tragedy will face serious consequences.”

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a new partnership between Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to implement the Family Justice Centers Peer Program. Funded through Proposition 63 Mental Health Services Act, VCBH is committing $1.25 million through June 30, 2026.

Through this agreement, critical peer support will be provided to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, helping them navigate the path to recovery. VCBH funds will support the research, development, and implementation of the peer support program at the Family Justice Centers. The program aims to foster resilience and empower victims by offering peer navigation and mentorship from trained specialists who have lived experience in overcoming similar challenges.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Jelaniwarren Joseph (DOB 04/14/2000), of Woodland Hills, has been charged for selling counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” pills containing fentanyl to Ventura County residents. Joseph faces six felony counts related to the possession and sale of fentanyl, as well as the possession of a firearm. Special allegations and aggravating factors include the involvement of a large quantity of contraband and a prior strike offense. He pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that charges have been filed against Jalen Amir Yoakum (DOB 08/07/2000), of Lancaster, following a theft investigation that led to a high-speed pursuit and violent crash in Camarillo. Yoakum, a documented Los Angeles County gang member, faces six felony charges, including evading police causing injury, reckless driving, and multiple firearm-related offenses. He also faces two misdemeanor hit-and-run charges and one count of petty theft. Additionally, special allegations and aggravating factors have been filed, including a strike prior and an allegation that the crime involved great violence.

Yoakum was arraigned on January 30, 2025, and pled not guilty to all counts. An early disposition conference is scheduled for February 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Yoakum remains in custody at Ventura County Jail with bail set at $2 million.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Micah Lanere Smith (DOB 01/14/78), of Calabasas, was convicted by a jury on January 24, 2025, of molestation against two underage victims. Smith was found guilty of five felonies: two counts of lewd acts upon a child, one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and two counts of sexual penetration with force or fear.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. in courtroom 24 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He faces a maximum of 66 years to life in state prison. Smith remains in custody at the Ventura County Jail without bail.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is supporting community members impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles by deploying trained victim advocates to aid at the FEMA run Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near UCLA. This collaboration follows a request from the City of Los Angeles, for additional assistance during this unprecedented disaster response.

“Our hearts go out to the residents of Los Angeles as they recover from these devastating fires,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Our advocates will offer support and care during this time of need to ensure victims receive the comfort and advocacy they deserve.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that 33 cases have been filed in the past month under the recently enacted provisions of Proposition 36, the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” which took effect on December 18, 2024. Proposition 36 introduced significant changes to California law, including the addition of two new felony offenses to help combat repeat drug and theft offenses: Health and Safety Code section 11395 and Penal Code section 666.1.

“The repeated lawlessness demonstrated by these offenders makes our communities unsafe,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will continue to use Proposition 36 to hold these habitual offenders accountable in a manner that is measured, that strikes a balance with drug treatment, and is consistent with the voters’ intent.”

As we approach the presidential inauguration, local law enforcement leaders have received inquiries about their roles in enforcing immigration laws. As law enforcement leaders within Ventura County, we feel it is important to re-emphasize our longstanding practices in this area. To be very clear, Ventura County law enforcement has not historically participated in the enforcement of immigration laws. We do not intend to change that practice.

Declaración de las Fuerzas del Orden del Condado de Ventura sobre la Aplicación de Leyes Migratorias

Al acercarse la inauguración presidencial, los lideres de las fuerzas del orden han recibido preguntas sobre sus funciones de aplicar leyes migratorias. Como lideres de las fuerzas del orden en el Condado de Ventura, sentimos que es importante volver a enfatizar nuestra continua practica en esta área. Seremos claros, las fuerzas del orden del Condado de Ventura históricamente no han participado en enforzar leyes migratorias. No pensamos cambiar esta práctica.

On January 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles County and Ventura County due to the significant destruction caused by the Palisades Fire. Under California Penal Code section 396, during a state of emergency it is unlawful for sellers to increase prices by more than 10% for essential items such as food, fuel, medical supplies, and lodging, unless justified by legitimate cost increases. Additionally, residents are protected against excessive rent hikes and unjust evictions during the emergency period. Violations of Penal Code section 396 are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

“Price gouging during an emergency is against the law and a vicious way of ripping off those who have already lost so much,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We strongly encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it immediately to local law enforcement for a thorough investigation.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Uriel Gamboa (DOB 09/28/93), of Thousand Oaks, has been charged with the murder of Aliya Pitts. Gamboa also faces special allegations for use of a deadly weapon, the crime being committed with great bodily injury, and the crime involving great violence. He made his first court appearance on January 14, 2025. The arraignment was continued.

Gamboa’s continued arraignment is scheduled for February 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without the chance for bail.