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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.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Makare Darnell Toliver (DOB 04/07/03), of Lancaster, was sentenced to 12 years state prison. Toliver previously pled guilty on November 21, 2024, to assault with a semiautomatic firearm, second degree robbery, grand theft of a firearm, evading an officer causing death, and fleeing the scene of an accident involving death. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including the personal use of a firearm and that the crime involved great violence.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Anthony Madrid (DOB 07/06/97), of Oxnard, was sentenced on December 20, 2024, to 85 days in Ventura County Jail and two years formal probation. He previously pled guilty to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud.

If you are giving or receiving a gift card this holiday season, make sure you know your rights! California law offers important protections for gift card holders and purchasers, ensuring fairness and transparency in how gift cards can be used and redeemed.