News Releases

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cameron Scott Lykins (DOB 11/02/95), of Ojai, was sentenced to 18 years prison for the death of Houston Auer. Lykins previously pled guilty on April 19, 2024, to one count of voluntary manslaughter. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that he used a deadly weapon and had strike priors.

“The true tragedy of this case is that Houston Auer is gone, and nothing can bring him back,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Harman said. “Today’s sentencing holds the defendant accountable for what the people could prove and will keep him off the street for a significant amount of time.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Richard Steven Valencia (DOB 09/26/78), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his neighbor. Valencia previously pled guilty on March 26, 2024, to four felony counts, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He also admitted to several special allegations including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and two strike priors.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Stephen Delacruz (DOB 01/13/87), of San Diego, pled guilty on May 14, 2024, to eight felonies including three counts of forcible rape, three counts of forcible oral copulation, and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object. Delacruz also admitted to the special allegations that the victim was under 18 years of age.

“Samantha was incredibly brave, courageous and just never gave up,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, who prosecuted the case. “Despite multiple setbacks and delays, she kept fighting for justice and to have her voice heard in court. Because of her determination to see her brother held accountable for these egregious crimes, the legal process did ultimately work.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, has been held to answer for the involuntary manslaughter death of Paul Kessler. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Ryan Wright made the decision today after a two-day preliminary hearing where evidence was presented, and 18 witnesses testified.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Elsworth Dennis Cadle (DOB 09/08/52), of Moorpark, pled guilty to the second-degree murder of his brother-in-law, Mark Milton. He also admitted to the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm resulting in death. Cadle is facing 25 years to life in prison when sentenced.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Ethel Hernandez to serve as a judge of the Ventura County Superior Court. Ms. Hernandez, a second-generation Mexican-American raised in Oxnard, has been with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor since 2012.

“I am extremely grateful for my time in the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a member of the professional staff and then as a Deputy District Attorney,” Ms. Hernandez said. “The time I have spent in this office and the work over the past 12 years, I will carry with me forever.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas (DOB 03/24/82), of Woodland Hills, was convicted by a jury on May 2, 2024, of five felony counts related to assaults on women in their homes or on hiking trails in Thousand Oaks and Oak Park.

“Ruelas represents one of the more dangerous sexual offenders apprehended in Ventura County in recent history,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker said. “I am indebted to the brave victims in this case who not only resisted Ruelas when he attacked but had the courage to testify in court and ensure he can never target women again.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Eric Ramirez (DOB 08/02/91), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 2, 2024, to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud.

Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to five years in county jail and a fine up to $50,000, or double the amount of fraud, whichever is greater.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Lane Yudell (DOB 05/10/67), of Simi Valley, has been charged with three counts of grand theft, seven counts of forgery, and three counts of money laundering. Yudell, a real estate agent, is also charged with several special allegations, including the defendant taking advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense, and the victim being particularly vulnerable.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today a distribution of $10,000 to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County. This funding is made available from money seized in drug crimes, with the intent to redirect it toward programs that combat drug abuse. The forfeited funds will support addiction services within the Ventura County Medical Center.

“The Health Care Foundation for Ventura County has a history of providing essential medical care to the region and for some of our most vulnerable residents,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “This contribution signifies our commitment to supporting treatment services and fostering healthier communities.”