District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that John Edward Kalil (DOB 07/11/96), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury on April 28, 2025, of six felony counts of child molestation. The jury also found true the special allegations there were multiple victims and Kalil committed substantial sexual conduct.
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Erik Nasarenko was elected Ventura County District Attorney on June 7, 2022, after his unanimous appointment by the Board of Supervisors the prior year. As the County’s top prosecutor overseeing more than 100 deputy district attorneys and 58 sworn investigators, Erik has initiated specialized efforts to prosecute fentanyl-based crimes, analyze untested rape kits, dismantle theft rings, and expand services to crime victims.
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Investigation Leads to Five More Victims in David Braff Child Molestation Case
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that additional charges have been filed against David Lane Braff, Jr. (DOB 05/28/82), of Thousand Oaks, following an ongoing investigation conducted by the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation.
The amended complaint brings the total number of charged victims to 13 and the total number of charged violations to 31 counts of child molestation against male and female victims. Braff will be arraigned on the amended complaint on May 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court.
Investigación Lleva a Cinco Victimas Mas en el Caso de David Braff por Abuso Infantil
El Fiscal de Distrito Erik Nasarenko anunció hoy que se han presentado cargos adicionales contra David Lane Braff, Jr. (FDN 05/28/82), de Thousand Oaks, como resultado de la investigación en curso llevada a cabo por el Departamento de Investigación del Fiscal de Distrito.
El 29 de abril de 2025, el fiscal presento una denuncia penal enmendada agregando 14 nuevas felonías de actos lascivos a niños menores de 14 años relacionadas con cinco víctimas adicionales. Cuatro de las nuevas víctimas fueron estudiantes en la escuela primaria McKevett en Santa Paula, donde Braff trabajó como concejero escolar entre el 2015 y 2019. La quinta víctima presuntamente fue abusada entre el 2004 y 2005 cuando Braff estuvo empleado en el Conejo Recreation and Park District de Thousand Oaks.
Port Hueneme Man Convicted of Raping Victim with Alzheimer’s Disease
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Joseph Lynn Johnson (DOB 02/14/79), of Port Hueneme, has been convicted by a jury of raping an incompetent person. A judge also found true the aggravating factor that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“We are grateful to the jury for their careful consideration and for delivering a verdict that brings justice to the victim,” Ms. Reber said. “This defendant exploited the vulnerability of a woman who deserved care and dignity, not manipulation and harm.”
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko Opposes Early Release for Serial Rapist Andrew Luster
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that he will continue to oppose the early release of Andrew Stuart Luster.
“We will continue to strenuously oppose any early release from state prison,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Luster’s statements to the parole board demonstrate that he remains unremorseful for his crimes and unworthy of parole.”
In 2003, Luster was convicted of drugging and raping three unconscious victims at his Ventura County beachfront home. He was originally sentenced to 124 years in prison, a sentence that was reduced to 50 years in 2013 despite the vehement opposition of prosecutors. During his trial, Luster fled the country, only to be captured by bounty hunter Duane “The Dog” Chapman.
Childhood Matters Wellness Center Opens Its Doors with Launch Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Childhood Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and families through mental health support, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Childhood Matters Wellness Center (CMWC) on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house at 2982 Martha Drive in Ventura.
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Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion
The Ventura County District Attorney recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (“DEBI”) in the office’s culture and climate, hiring, training and education, opportunities for advancement, and the relationship with the communities it serves. The District Attorney has created this committee to promote these stated values for the benefit of the Office and to achieve the Office’s mission.
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🇺🇸 May is National Military Appreciation Month!
We honor and thank all who have served—and especially the veterans who continue to serve our community every day in our office. Your dedication and sacrifice inspire us all. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #ThankYouVeterans #PublicService
We honor and thank all who have served—and especially the veterans who continue to serve our community every day in our office. Your dedication and sacrifice inspire us all. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth #ThankYouVeterans #PublicService
Today, our office proudly participated in Denim Day—standing together in denim to raise awareness about sexual assault and challenge the harmful myths that blame survivors.
Denim Day began after a court ruling overturned a rape conviction based on the survivor’s clothing. By wearing denim, we send a clear message: what someone wears is never an excuse for sexual violence.
We stand with survivors. We believe in justice.
#DenimDay #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #SupportSurvivors #VCDA #VictimRights
Denim Day began after a court ruling overturned a rape conviction based on the survivor’s clothing. By wearing denim, we send a clear message: what someone wears is never an excuse for sexual violence.
We stand with survivors. We believe in justice.
#DenimDay #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #SupportSurvivors #VCDA #VictimRights
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