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.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and today the Ventura County Board of Supervisors officially recognized it with a formal proclamation. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office reaffirms its commitment to combating this crime and supporting victims. While human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions, it also impacts communities here in Ventura County.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on those in desperate situations,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We remain relentless in our efforts to seek justice for survivors, hold offenders accountable, and prevent this exploitation from occurring in Ventura County.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jaylin Edwards (DOB 12/28/96), of Oxnard, was sentenced to 64 years and 8 months to life in state prison for a 2019 shooting that injured two people, including a young girl who was left paralyzed. Edwards was convicted on November 15, 2024, of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Horlick, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

“This sentence reflects the serious nature of the defendant’s conduct and the immeasurable harm and trauma it caused multiple victims,” Ms. Horlick said. “I am hopeful that as of today, the victims can move forward in peace, knowing justice has been served.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Javier Gomez (DOB 11/22/05) and a 14-year-old juvenile, both from Thousand Oaks, have been charged for a hate crime attack on an African American victim. Charged separately in adult and juvenile court, the defendant and minor each face one count of assault with a deadly weapon with the special allegations that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and committed as a hate crime.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Terry Cole, M.D., (DOB 09/17/48), of Ventura, pled guilty to one felony count of dissuading a witness and one misdemeanor count of sexual exploitation of a patient. He will permanently lose his license to practice medicine as part of today’s plea. Due to Cole’s age and lack of criminal history, it is anticipated that the witness dissuasion count will be reduced to a misdemeanor at sentencing.

“No professional is above the law, including physicians,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “This plea protects patients by ensuring that the defendant’s medical license is permanently revoked.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Nathaniel Wills (DOB 04/11/88), of Los Angeles, was sentenced to 15 years and 5 months in state prison for a DUI crash that claimed the life of his passenger, Leon Parks, and injured two others.

Deputy District Attorney Jillian Ewan, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit, prosecuted the case.

“Impaired driving is incredibly dangerous to everyone on the road,” Ms. Ewan said. “This was a preventable tragedy. Wills knew that his conduct was dangerous and continued to drive impaired, resulting in the death of Leon Parks and injuring his other passengers. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to holding impaired drivers accountable to reduce these senseless tragedies.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that George Ronald Russell (DOB 11/11/56), formerly of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced to four years in state prison. After a jury was selected in October 2024, he pled guilty to 18 felony counts related to an investment scheme, including grand theft from an elder, grand theft of more than $500,000, attempted grand theft, and money laundering. As part of his guilty plea, Russell paid $600,000 in restitution to his victims.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

“Mr. Russell did not just steal money, he destroyed victims’ health, relationships, and trust in others,” Mr. Wise said. “While he deserved a much longer prison sentence for his conduct, everyone involved recognized securing immediate and substantial restitution for the victims was a priority.”