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The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Samuel William Lafond (DOB 04/01/88), of Santa Barbara, has been arraigned on one felony charge of luring after a sting operation by the Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF). Lafond pled not guilty at his arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court.

The District Attorneys of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo have joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to create a safe and sober driving message for the month of December, which is Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The PSA highlights the dangers and life-changing consequences that impaired driving can have. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Senior Investigator Judi Estrada shares her story. Judi was struck by a drunk driver while in the car with her family. The crash has impacted every aspect of her life since that day.

Ventura County law enforcement is pleased to highlight a recent report on crime rates published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance. The report identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California, according to data from the California Department of Justice.

Today in a unanimous vote during the regular meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a new position within the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation. This position, a Crime Analyst II, will be funded by a California AB 178 Firearms Relinquishment Grant.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Bryn Spejcher (DOB 01/25/91), of Thousand Oaks, was convicted by a jury of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Chad O’Melia, whom she had been dating for a few weeks.On May 27, 2018, Spejcher went to Mr. O’Melia’s apartment in Thousand Oaks, where both took several hits from a bong loaded with marijuana. Spejcher had an adverse reaction to the marijuana and suffered from what experts call Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder. During that psychotic episode, Spejcher stabbed Mr. O’Melia multiple times killing him. She also stabbed herself repeatedly.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Aaron James Mora (DOB 04/14/98), of Oxnard, was sentenced to two years prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Mora previously pled guilty on October 17, 2023, to one felony count of sending harmful matter to a child. He also admitted to the special allegations that the victim was vulnerable and that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that on November 21, 2023, Euren Balbuena (DOB 11/29/90), of Simi Valley, was convicted by a jury of the first-degree murder of his girlfriend Zaira Patino-Trejo. The jury also found Balbuena guilty of assault with a deadly weapon against the victim’s mother and battery causing great bodily injury against Patino-Trejo.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that on November 16, 2023, Shiloh Chenoweth (DOB 02/12/84), of Ventura, was convicted by a jury of two felony counts: possession of fentanyl for sale, and possession of methamphetamine for sale. The defendant admitted the special allegations that he had a prior “serious” felony conviction, which also qualified as a prior “strike” offense under California’s Three Strikes laws.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that on November 16, 2023, Osvaldo Hernandez (DOB 05/22/99), of Oxnard, pled guilty to one count of second-degree murder for a shooting that killed Robert De La Cerda. He also pled guilty to one count of attempted robbery, three counts of robbery, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Hernandez admitted to several special allegations as well, including that he personally used a firearm in the murder of Mr. De La Cerda.

Today, November 17, 2023, Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, pled not guilty at arraignment to one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and one felony count of battery causing serious bodily injury. Alnaji also denied the special allegations that he personally inflicted great bodily injury.