News Releases

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Refugio Cortez (DOB 07/18/86), of Santa Paula, was convicted by a jury on July 17, 2024, of a dozen felony counts of unlawful possession of guns and ammunition. The convictions included 11 felony counts of owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm by a felon and one felony count of being a person prohibited from possessing ammunition.

The City of Oxnard has entered a partnership with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to intensify efforts against Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). This three-year agreement, beginning July 1, 2024, commits a total of $494,544 to support the assignment of a dedicated investigator from the District Attorney’s Office to tackle these heinous crimes within Oxnard.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Boost Oxygen, LLC, a Connecticut-based company, entered a stipulated judgment and will pay $413,000 in penalties and investigative costs to settle a civil lawsuit brought by multiple district attorney’s offices. The lawsuit alleged violations of the California Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code § 17200, and the California False Advertising Law, Business & Professions Code § 17500. Boost sells recreational oxygen canisters online and in brick-and-mortar stores. The company previously advertised that its products could alleviate physical ailments such as altitude sickness. An investigation showed that many of Boost’s claims were false or unsupported by evidence.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Home Depot Inc. entered a stipulated judgment and will pay $750,000 in penalties, fees, and restitution to settle a civil lawsuit brought by multiple district attorney’s offices alleging violations of California Civil Code section 1749.5, the California Gift Card Law.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of the District Attorney’s Offices of Ventura, Los Angeles, Sonoma, and Contra Costa Counties, alleged that Home Depot unlawfully denied California consumers the right to cash out store gift cards valued at less than $10, as required by the Gift Card Law.

“We vigorously enforce gift card redemption laws to protect and safeguard consumers,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Large corporations should not profit from unfair business practices that leave store patrons without a full return on their investment.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Emerson Mercado (DOB 03/16/91), of Fillmore, pled guilty on July 9, 2024, to one count of felony automobile insurance fraud.

Mercado is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. 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.

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is issuing a warning to residents and visitors about the severe dangers associated with illegal fireworks. The presence and misuse of these fireworks pose significant risks across our communities, leading to fires, injuries, and loud explosions that scare our dogs and cats and can be particularly distressing for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In Ventura County, the sale, use, and possession of fireworks are strictly regulated. Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted, and these are only legal within the city limits of Fillmore. It’s crucial to note that even if you legally purchase “Safe and Sane” fireworks in Fillmore, their use or possession outside of Fillmore is illegal throughout the rest of Ventura County.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that two juveniles have been charged for the assault on a homeless woman in Ventura. The suspects, 13 and 14 years old, are each charged in juvenile court with assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit a crime, and elder or dependent adult abuse.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Stephen Delacruz (DOB 01/13/87), of San Diego, was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for sex crimes committed against his younger sister. Delacruz previously 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 special allegations that the victim was under 18 years of age.

“Samantha demonstrated great resiliency and determination as she fought for justice and accountability in this case,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “Facing her brother during today’s sentencing to give her victim impact statement took incredible strength and courage.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Javier Miramontez Jr. (DOB 08/19/92), of Oxnard, was sentenced on June 11, 2024, to 24 years state prison for the molestation of a young family member. Miramontez Jr. previously pled guilty on May 15, 2024, to three felony counts of lewd acts on a minor. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the victim was vulnerable, and that he took advantage of a position of trust.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Neydi Garcia (DOB 10/18/82), of Camarillo, was sentenced to 4 years 4 months state prison. Garcia, also known as Neydi Villegas and Neydi Alargunsoro, previously pled guilty on May 26, 2023, to seven felony counts of grand theft from her employer, one felony count of identity theft, and one felony count of filing a false or fraudulent tax return. She admitted she stole more than $500,000. She also admitted several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that she took advantage of a position of trust, and carried out the crime with planning, sophistication, and professionalism.