July 21, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that state and local officials reached a comprehensive civil settlement with Crimson Pipeline, L.P. (Crimson), and its contractor CD Lyon Construction, Inc. and CD Lyon, Inc. (collectively CD Lyon), the companies responsible for a June 2016 crude oil spill in Hall Canyon, Ventura. The spill occurred from a crude oil pipeline owned by Crimson following a valve replacement operation and restart of the pipeline.
Pipeline Company and Contractor Responsible for 2016 Ventura Oil Spill Reach $1.6 Million Civil Settlement with State and County Agencies
A June 2016 spill occurred from a crude oil pipeline owned by Crimson following a valve replacement operation and restart of the pipeline. New valve flanges were not properly tightened by Crimson’s contractor, CD Lyon, which caused the release of more than 44,000 gallons of crude oil, damaged local natural resources, and required a comprehensive cleanup and investigation effort.
July 15, 2020
VENTURA, California –District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Nathaniel Newell Hunnicutt (DOB 9/13/81), pled guilty to one felony count of grand theft.
July 14, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Caden Crowell (DOB: 11/19/98), of Camarillo, pled guilty to the first-degree murder of David Smith, age 19, of Thousand Oaks. Crowell also admitted personally using a firearm in the commission of the murder.
July 13, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on July 9, 2020, Dennis Dean Varadin (DOB 06/07/54), of Oxnard, was sentenced to 18 months in jail, immediately followed by 38 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $133,766.88 to victims of his crimes.
July 13, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten warned today that county residents should be vigilant when using online listing services to secure rental housing. Such services do not typically verify that the person listing a property for rent is actually authorized to do so. This creates an opportunity for criminals to prey upon unsuspecting victims. These fraudsters seek to exploit housing anxiety amid the COVID-19 pandemic as residents face uncertainty regarding the length of temporary mortgage forbearance accommodations.
June 9, 2020
VENTURA, California –District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Retha Mae Drummond (DOB 3/1/56), of Moorpark, was sentenced after pleading guilty to five felony counts of misappropriation of public funds.
July 9, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today a warning to the public to be aware of current COVID-19 scams being reported to law enforcement agencies. Other counties are reporting that scammers are posing as contact tracers to obtain personal information and steal money from unknowing victims. While it is important to respond to phone calls, emails or text messages about a potential exposure to COVID-19, be aware that legitimate contact tracers working with Ventura County or with the State of California will never charge a fee for their services nor ask for personal identifying information such as a social security number, bank account, or health insurance policy number.
July 9, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Megan Elizabeth Zucaro (DOB 7/11/70), of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced to 365 days in jail by Judge Anthony Sabo. Zucaro had previously pled guilty to one felony count of diversion of construction funds. The investigation and prosecution of Zucaro was conducted by the District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Unit.
July 8, 2020
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Alexis Ramirez (DOB 10/23/89), of Oxnard, pled guilty to second-degree murder with the use of a knife and for the benefit of a criminal street gang for the for the January 17, 2009, killing of Alfredo Vargas, also of Oxnard.