Transnational Organized Crime Group Member Sentenced for 10 Ventura County Residential Burglaries
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ivan Andre Chamorro Santibanez (DOB 12/07/01), of Chile, was sentenced to 14 years state prison on April 7, 2025, for committing 10 residential burglaries in Ventura County. Chamorro Santibanez previously pled guilty on March 7, 2025, to 10 felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and one felony count of conspiracy to residential burglary. He also admitted to all special allegations and aggravating circumstances, including a strike prior for residential burglary and that the crimes were carried out in a manner that indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism. “This sentence reflects the serious impact residential burglaries have on victims and our community,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Paul Nuñez said. “The defendant carefully planned and executed these crimes, violating the sanctity and safety of people’s homes.”
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 6-12, 2025
Annual Event to Focus on Campus Sexual Assault Awareness The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), recognizing the importance of supporting victims and honoring those who advocate for their rights. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating communities on the prevalence of sexual violence and the importance of prevention. As part of this observance, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will host a Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at California Lutheran University’s Kingsmen Park. The event, taking place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend to support victims, raise awareness, and honor those dedicated to seeking justice. “The focus of this year’s event is to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent sexual assault,” District Attorney Erik…
Ventura Man Charged with Felony Vandalism & Hate Crimes
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that John Williams (DOB 03/04/93), of Ventura, has been charged with six felony counts and three misdemeanors in connection with vandalism involving swastikas on public and private property. Williams is charged with three felony counts of vandalism for damage exceeding $400, three felony hate crime counts of placing a terrorizing symbol on private property, two misdemeanor counts of vandalism, and one misdemeanor count of possession of a stun gun by a convicted felon. He also faces special allegations for committing the crimes while on parole and having a prior strike conviction. “Vandalism involving vile symbols like swastikas is more than just property damage. It is a hate-filled message intended to spread fear, sow division and endanger our communities,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will aggressively prosecute the defendant to ensure accountability and uphold public safety.” Williams was arraigned on April 2, 2025,…
Colorado Man Convicted of Raping, Sexually Assaulting Multiple Women
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Charles Edward Gaines III (DOB 07/05/96), was convicted of forcible sex crimes committed against three women. Gaines was also convicted of attempting to rape a fourth victim. On February 25, 2025, a jury convicted Gaines of forcible sodomy and attempted rape of two victims. The jury deadlocked on other charges. Today, Gaines pled guilty to forcibly raping the two additional victims and admitted that one of the victims was a minor at the time of the attack. “Gaines targeted women who were vulnerable,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker said. “But what he didn’t count on was their bravery. The courage these women showed by assisting in this investigation and then coming to court and sharing what he did to them was exceptional. Their actions served to protect others from being victimized by Gaines.”
Valencia Man Arraigned for Unlicensed Practice of Medicine, Elder Fraud & Identity Theft
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nitun “Nate” Dayalghai Ahir (DOB 6/17/1981) was arraigned on March 28, 2025, on a felony complaint for the crimes of unlicensed practice of medicine, fraudulent use of the terms “doctor” or “physician,” theft from an elder or dependent adult by a caretaker, and identity theft. Ahir is also charged with several aggravating factors, including that the victim was vulnerable and the defendant took advantage of a position of trust. He pled not guilty to all charges.
Settlement Reached in Unlawful Propane Disposal at Oxnard Recycling Center
An investigation by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has determined that a hazardous propane release at the City of Oxnard Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station originated from an improperly disposed tank by ModVans Inc., a manufacturer of recreational vehicles. “This incident serves as a reminder that improper disposal of hazardous materials can put workers, first responders, and the public at serious risk,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Proper training and adherence to hazardous waste regulations are critical to preventing dangerous situations like this.”
Investigation Uncovers Illegal Petroleum Discharge into Grimes Canyon Creek
An investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has determined that a petroleum-contaminated wastewater discharge into Grimes Canyon Creek originated from a vacuum truck operated by a temporary employee of Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. (AIS). Evidence showed that between 4:00 a.m. and 4:49 a.m., the driver loaded petroleum-contaminated wastewater, backed the truck up to Grimes Canyon Creek, and discharged approximately 150 gallons into a ravine leading to the creek bed. The driver then left without reporting the spill, as required by law.
Legislation Created and Co-Sponsored in 2024
Assembly Bill 1779 – Combats Organized Retail Theft This crucial legislation, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed by Governor Newsom on August 16, 2024, strengthens California’s ability to combat organized retail theft, a growing concern for business owners and communities across the state. “Organized retail theft is not just a financial crime but a threat to the safety of our communities,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “With the passage of AB 1779, we now have a powerful tool to hold these criminals accountable for crimes against Ventura County businesses, even when their schemes involve crimes in other counties.” Assembly Bill 1831 – Outlaws AI-Generated CSAM Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1831, strengthening laws against child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including AI-generated content. Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman and co-sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, AB 1831 addresses the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology capable of creating…