If you are giving or receiving a gift card this holiday season, make sure you know your rights! California law offers important protections for gift card holders and purchasers, ensuring fairness and transparency in how gift cards can be used and redeemed.
It’s Gift Card Season! Know Your Rights for Gifting or Receiving
District Attorney Unveils Plan for East County Family Justice Center
The City of Thousand Oaks has been identified by the District Attorney’s Office as the city best suited for the location of the East County Family Justice Center (FJC). District Attorney Erik Nasarenko made the announcement at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
“The key imperative here is to bring services to our east county to assist victims who are experiencing trauma and debilitating crimes,” District Attorney Nasarenko told the Board. “One of the core principles that we are establishing through the regionalization of the Family Justice Center is removing transportation barriers and maximizing access.”
The East County FJC in Thousand Oaks will join Ventura and Oxnard to become the third crime victims support services center in the county.
Simi Valley Man Convicted of Lewd Acts Upon a Child
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Antonio Canseco (DOB 09/30/71), of Simi Valley, was convicted by a jury of two felony counts of lewd acts upon a child. The jury found true the special allegations of Canseco committing substantial sexual conduct. The remaining aggravating factors including taking advantage of a position of trust and the victim being vulnerable were found true by the judge.
Canseco is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains free on bail pending sentencing and faces a maximum of 10 years in state prison.
Simi Valley Teen Facing Nearly Two-Dozen Child Pornography Charges in Juvenile Court
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed a juvenile petition against a 17-year-old from Simi Valley. The minor is facing a total of 22 felony counts for possession or control of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), distribution and possession with intent to distribute CSAM to an adult, and using a minor for sex acts. The minor is also charged with two special allegations of possessing more than 600 CSAM images and that the images include sado-masochistic acts.
District Attorney’s Office Joins Illuminate California Campaign to Support MADD
Tonight, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will once again light its Hall of Justice building in red to demonstrate solidarity with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and their mission to eliminate impaired driving. By joining landmarks and buildings across California in the Illuminate California campaign, the District Attorney’s Office aims to send a message of unity, remembrance, and a commitment to safer roads.
“We are proud to stand with MADD and communities across the state in shining a light on the dangers of impaired driving,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “This display serves as a reminder to make responsible choices so no more lives are needlessly lost.”
Thousand Oaks Father Sentenced for Torturing Young Daughter
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Tekquan Alexander (DOB 10/06/96), of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced on December 12, 2024, to life in state prison with the possibility of parole for beating his young daughter into a vegetative state. Alexander was previously convicted by a jury on November 12, 2024, of three felony counts, including torture, assault on a child causing a comatose condition, and corporal injury to a child. The jury and judge also found true all special allegations and aggravating factors, including the victim being vulnerable, taking advantage of a position of trust, and causing great bodily injury to a child under five.
“Today is Alani’s birthday and, while no punishment can undo the lifetime of challenges she will face, her family knowing her perpetrator could spend his life behind bars is a small gift of justice,” said Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly, who prosecuted the case.
Newbury Park Man Charged with Murder, Corporal Injury to Child
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zuberi Kalaikulokahiokalani Sharp (DOB 03/26/2000), has been charged with murder and corporal injury to a child. Sharp also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon and that the victim was vulnerable.
Sharp made his first court appearance today. No plea was entered, and criminal proceedings were suspended pending a competency hearing. He is scheduled to return to court for a competency hearing on January 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court.
Priest Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara (DOB 07/11/85), was sentenced to 365 days in jail, two years of formal probation, and is required to register as a sex offender for a minimum of ten years. If Martinez-Guevara violates his felony probation, a suspended two-year state prison sentence will be imposed. He previously pled no contest on October 10, 2024, to one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material and admitted all charged special allegations, including that he possessed over 600 images of child sexual abuse material.
Chatsworth Man Charged with Perjury for Submitting Fictitious Voter Registrations
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Bruce Boyer (DOB 03/26/61), of Chatsworth, has been charged with four felony counts of perjury for submitting multiple fictitious voter registration applications. Boyer made his first court appearance today and his arraignment was continued to January 17, 2025.
Boyer is accused of submitting four fraudulent voter registration forms to the County Registrar in the months preceding the November 2024 election. Each form was handwritten and attempted to register various fictitious characters to vote. Each fraudulent registration form included Boyer’s home address and was signed under penalty of perjury.
Thousand Oaks Man Sentenced to 50-plus years to life for Murder, Torture
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Saul C Nava (DOB 04/30/00), of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced to 50 years and 8 months to life in prison. Nava was previously convicted by a jury of nine felony counts including the first-degree murder and torture of his girlfriend, Alisen Takacs-Escobar, and the torture and kidnapping of a previous girlfriend who survived his abuse.
“The sentence imposed reflects the heinous nature of the defendant’s horrific conduct,” senior prosecutor David Russell said. “While nothing will make the victim’s family whole again, this sentence will protect the community from an offender who tortured and abused vulnerable victims.”