March 27, 2023
On March 24, 2023, a Ventura County jury convicted Jesus Zavala Castaneda (DOB 05/24/60), of Oxnard, on two counts of lewd touching of a minor under 14 years old. The jury also found all aggravating factors related to each count to be true. Castaneda sexually exploited an underage family member between 2018 and 2019. The conduct stopped in June 2019 when the 13-year-old victim reported the abuse. Following a two-week trial that included courageous testimony from the victim, her peers, her mother, as well as a senior detective, teacher, and expert on child abuse, a jury convicted Castaneda of two felony violations. “I was struck by the courage of the victim and the strength of her mother,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Edward Andrews, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit. “For adolescents reporting sexual abuse, good parental support is the most vital tool for…
March 23, 2023
Today, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced the conviction of David Flores (DOB 10/12/97), of Oxnard, for the murders of Aaron Austin and Eduardo Viveros in 2017. The jury found Flores guilty of two counts of murder in the first-degree, and three counts of robbery in the second-degree. All special allegations, including gun enhancements, were found to be true. On May 16, 2017, Flores and two accomplices, who previously pled guilty, were responsible for the shooting deaths of Aaron Austin and Eduardo Viveros. Mr. Austin was shot four times and found in front of an apartment complex on North G Street in Oxnard. He was pronounced dead at the Ventura County Medical Center. Mr. Viveros suffered from three gunshot wounds and died on Perkins Road in Oxnard. The shootings were separated by less than 30 minutes. Flores and the two accomplices also robbed three additional victims at gunpoint. Senior…
March 21, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified before the California Senate Committee on Public Safety today in support of California Senate Bill 442. Senate Bill 442 seeks to amend Section 243.4 of the Penal Code, relating to sexual battery. This amendment would expand the criminal definition of sexual battery and close a gap that currently exists.
March 15, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Paul Steven Ramos (DOB 11/15/90), of Santa Paula, has been charged with murder in the shooting death of Paul Carrillo. Ramos, a known gang member, is the second suspect now facing charges for the December 5, 2022, murder.
March 14, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that commercial burglary charges have been filed against two men who recently stole from the Apple Store in Thousand Oaks.
March 13, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Kevin Ray James (DOB 09/23/67), of San Bernardino, has been charged with the 1997 murder of Monica Leech. A news conference will be held with District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Thousand Oaks Police Station located at 2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.
March 13, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has issued a cease and desist demand to the Ojai Unified School District (OUSD). The cease and desist demand alleges that the OUSD Board of Education violated the Brown Act. “California law requires the vast majority of school district decision-making to be conducted in open and public meetings,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Ojai Unified’s recent actions were a significant departure from that requirement and necessitate immediate corrective action.”
March 10, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Michael Ortega (DOB 03/05/2000), of Oxnard, has been charged with the murder of Paul Carrillo. Ortega, a known gang member, is accused of killing Carrillo with a sawed-off shotgun on December 5, 2022.
March 9, 2023
The County of Ventura has entered into an agreement to purchase a building in downtown Oxnard, which will serve as the future home of the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center. The two-story, 32,000-square-foot building, located at 555/545 South A Street, is anticipated to be purchased for $4.1 million contingent upon an environmental review, Board of Supervisors approval, and the completion of a 30-day escrow. Situated near transit and city services, this location will provide outreach and support services to victims of crime in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme.
March 8, 2023
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Teresa Robles Boyzo (DOB 11/08/60), of Oxnard, pled guilty to grand theft after falsely identifying herself as a judge and offering help with legal matters in exchange for money. “Money or personal information should never be given to someone claiming to be an attorney without first checking to see if they are in fact a licensed attorney,” said Deputy District Attorney Susan Park, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit. “You can protect yourself by looking up attorney information on the California State Bar website to avoid becoming a victim of theft.” The “Look Up a Lawyer” feature is available at www.calbar.ca.gov. All individuals licensed to practice law in the State of California, including judicial officers, will be listed.