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The Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC), a program and services administered by the District Attorney’s Office, was the recipient of $1.66 million secured by Congressman Salud Carbajal in the federal budget. The federal funding will expand services at the Ventura FJC location by increasing the number of domestic violence shelter beds once the new Emergency Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Housing project is completed. Currently, only 24 emergency shelter beds exist in Ventura County. This new project will bring up to 18 additional beds to the county.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Gerardo Hernandez Cruz (DOB 11/25/92), of Ventura, has been charged with three felony counts: human trafficking of a minor, forcible rape, and forcible sexual penetration with a minor over 14. He is also charged with four special allegations, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Paul Herder (DOB 03/20/58), of Pahoa, Hawaii, was sentenced on May 23, 2024, to 6 years 8 months prison. Herder previously pled guilty to six felony counts involving sexual conduct with a student, which included luring, digital penetration of a minor, and unlawful sexual intercourse. He also admitted special allegations that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit these offenses.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Enrique Gabriel Doria (DOB 11/20/97), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 20, 2024, to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud.

On Wednesday May 22, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will hold a news conference to announce an additional murder charge against Rotherie Durell Foster (DOB 11/03/85), of Camarillo. Foster, who is already in custody and facing charges for the murder of Jose Velasquez, is now additionally being charged for the 2022 murder of Los Angeles County resident Bill Levy.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cameron Scott Lykins (DOB 11/02/95), of Ojai, was sentenced to 18 years prison for the death of Houston Auer. Lykins previously pled guilty on April 19, 2024, to one count of voluntary manslaughter. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that he used a deadly weapon and had strike priors. “The true tragedy of this case is that Houston Auer is gone, and nothing can bring him back,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Harman said. “Today’s sentencing holds the defendant accountable for what the people could prove and will keep him off the street for a significant amount of time.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Richard Steven Valencia (DOB 09/26/78), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his neighbor. Valencia previously pled guilty on March 26, 2024, to four felony counts, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He also admitted to several special allegations including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and two strike priors.