In a joint news conference held on January 18, 2023, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff discuss the murder of Jose Velasquez and the 11 felony charges filed against Rotherie Foster for the crime.
News Releases
Judge Rules Sufficient Evidence in Alnaji Case to Merit Trial
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Loay Abdel Fattah Alnaji (DOB 05/06/73), of Moorpark, has been held to answer for the involuntary manslaughter death of Paul Kessler. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Ryan Wright made the decision today after a two-day preliminary hearing where evidence was presented, and 18 witnesses testified. Read More
Moorpark Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Brother-in-Law
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Elsworth Dennis Cadle (DOB 09/08/52), of Moorpark, pled guilty to the second-degree murder of his brother-in-law, Mark Milton. He also admitted to the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm resulting in death. Cadle is facing 25 years to life in prison when sentenced. Read More
Governor Appoints Senior Ventura County Deputy DA to Judgeship
California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Ethel Hernandez to serve as a judge of the Ventura County Superior Court. Ms. Hernandez, a second-generation Mexican-American raised in Oxnard, has been with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor since 2012. “I am extremely grateful for my time in the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office… Read More
Woodland Hills Man Convicted of Serial Assaults on Hikers & Sleeping Victims
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas (DOB 03/24/82), of Woodland Hills, was convicted by a jury on May 2, 2024, of five felony counts related to assaults on women in their homes or on hiking trails in Thousand Oaks and Oak Park. “Ruelas represents one of the more dangerous… Read More
Oxnard Man Pleads Guilty to Automobile Insurance Fraud
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Eric Ramirez (DOB 08/02/91), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 2, 2024, to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud. Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to five years in county jail and a fine up to $50,000, or double the amount of fraud, whichever… Read More
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Ventura County District Attorney and Sheriff Joint Press Conference January 18, 2023
Family Justice Center Restraining Order Workshop
The Ventura County Family Justice Center is holding a new restraining order workshop for those in need. Demand for this service has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. The workshops will be three days a week. Two days in English and one day in Spanish.
If you need help or information between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, call us at (805) 652-7655, text us at (805) 947-7981, or email vcfjc.coop@ventura.org.
Centro de Justicia Familiar – Taller de órdenes de restricción contra la Violencia Doméstica
El Centro de Justicia Familiar del Condado de Ventura está organizando un nuevo taller sobre órdenes de restricción para los necesitados. La demanda de este servicio se ha disparado durante los años de la pandemia. Los talleres serán tres días a la semana. Dos días en Inglés y un día en Español.
Si necesita ayuda o información entre las 8:00 am y las 5:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, llámenos al (805) 652-7655, envíenos un mensaje de texto al (805) 947-7981 o envíe un correo electrónico a vcfjc.coop@ventura.org.
Notable Cases
2013 People v. Kenneth Powell, Katie Rose, and Paul Lascola
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted one of the largest real estate investment fraud schemes uncovered in the county involving victim losses exceeding $3 million.
2012 People v. Calvin Sharp
In August 2007, Calvin Sharp chased down, attacked, and brutally killed a 6-year-old boy, Sev’n Molina, with a meat cleaver. When Sev’n’s mother, Sandra Ruiz, tried to stop the attack, Sharp attacked her as well, causing major life-long injuries. A neighbor, Diane Cox, also attempted to intervene and suffered serious injuries at the hands of…
2011 People v. Ricardo Villa
Victim Beatrice Bellis, age 87, was deaf and functionally mute. She lived at the Mar Vista apartment complex, an elder care facility located in Port Hueneme, California. In June 1993, an unknown assailant slipped into her unlocked apartment, stabbed her repeatedly with a large kitchen knife, and raped her as she bled to death. The…
Public Reports
September 8, 2023
Report on the October 4, 2020, shooting of Austin Manzano by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies Robert Medina and Gregory Tougas.
December 9, 2021
Report on the November 5, 2020 Shooting of Javier Magaña by Ventura Police Officer Joaquin Ortega.
February 12, 2021
Report on the July 5, 2019, shooting of Joshua Ortiz by California Highway Patrol Officer Timothy Putzel.