Category Archives: News Releases

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on December 15, 2023, Derrick Toole (DOB 09/27/64) of Woodland Hills, pled guilty to two felony stalking charges. The crime of stalking occurs when any person willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. Toole also admitted to the special allegation that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on December 13, 2023, Miles Matthew Berry (DOB 02/21/89), of Newbury Park, was sentenced to 180 days in Ventura County Jail and 24 months of formal probation. As part of his probation terms, Berry is prohibited from owning any animals. Berry had previously pled guilty on November 9, 2023, to felony commercial burglary over $950 and felony cruelty to an animal. He also admitted to the special allegation that the crime involved great violence.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Vidal Vargas Morales (DOB 12/30/60), of Fillmore, was convicted by a Ventura County jury of one felony count of lewd acts upon a child who was 15 years old. The court also found true the special allegation that Morales took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense.

At the regular meeting, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a professional services contract with Anderson Kulwiec Appleby Architects (AKA), from Santa Paula. The architectural firm will be completing architectural and engineering services for the remodel of the recently acquired 545-555 South A Street building in Oxnard, the future home of the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center (FJC).

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.