Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Alexander Rodriguez (DOB 08/09/93), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of two felony charges related to illegal drug sales. Rodriguez was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine for sale and conspiracy to commit a crime. The jury also found true all charged special allegations and aggravating factors, including the crime involving a large quantity of contraband.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that    Shaohua Sun (DOB 08/20/86), of Monterey Park, CA, and co-defendant Yanwen Gu (DOB 03/20/86) of Rosemead, CA, each pled guilty to felony conspiracy to commit elder abuse. Sun and Gu also admitted to multiple overt acts and special allegations including that the manner in which the crime was committed indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism, and that the victim was particularly vulnerable. Prior to entering his guilty plea on May 7, 2026, Sun surrendered $25,000, representing full restitution in this case. Gu pled guilty on May 11, 2026.

“Thanks to the outstanding investigative work and quick coordination by the Ventura Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, these defendants were stopped before they could further exploit a vulnerable senior citizen,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “These scams are designed to prey on fear and isolation, and they can happen to anyone. We encourage families, neighbors, and caregivers to regularly check in with the elderly members of our community and remind them to never hand over money.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jesus Gonzalez-Arteaga (DOB 05/13/81), of Oxnard, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole (LWOP), along with additional consecutive prison terms totaling more than 91 years to life. Gonzalez-Arteaga was previously convicted by a jury on April 9, 2026, of six felony counts related to the molestation and rape of a child.

“The sentence imposed today reflects the devastating and lifelong harm caused by the defendant’s actions,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore said. “Even after being convicted, the defendant has refused to accept responsibility, continuing instead to blame the child he abused in a demonstration of his complete lack of remorse and accountability.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the final defendant in a sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a multi-million dollar heist in Simi Valley has been sentenced.
At the end of April, Sergio Andres Mejia-Machuca (DOB 06/07/98) was sentenced to five years eight months in state prison. With this sentencing, all four members of the burglary crew have now been held accountable for their roles in the coordinated commercial burglaries targeting 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop. In addition, Mejia-Machuca was sentenced for his role in the burglary of Simi Valley Pawn Brokers that occurred two days before the heist at 5-Star Jewelry & Watch Repair.
“These were sophisticated and professional commercial burglars, but they met their match with the Simi Valley Police Department,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “All four defendants have now been held accountable for their brazen behavior, bringing to an end this criminal operation.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that   George Pierce (DOB 08/30/53), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of multiple felony hate crimes and related offenses stemming from a racially motivated attack made against a black couple in Ventura. The jury found Pierce guilty of felony criminal threats, attempted second degree commercial burglary, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and a violation of civil rights. The jury also found true the hate crime allegations attached to the criminal threats and attempted burglary charges, as well as weapon-use enhancements.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

“This hate crime undermined the sense of safety the victims and our community deserve to feel in Ventura County,” Ms. Moyer said. “This verdict helps restore peace of mind not only for the victims, but for our citizens, while sending a clear message that racially motivated violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.”

Pierce is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He was remanded into custody following the verdict and is being held without bail. Pierce faces a maximum of seven years in state prison.