News Releases

A San Jose judge has ordered a network of car dealerships owned and operated as subsidiaries of AutoNation, Inc., one of the country’s largest automobile sellers, to pay $650,000 to resolve a consumer protection action related to the sale of used vehicles.

The payments were ordered as part of a settlement stemming from a lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and five other California District Attorneys. The dealerships were accused of violating state laws requiring the timely transfer of registration and ownership of used vehicles. California law mandates that used car dealers submit an application to the DMV to transfer registration to a buyer within 30 days of the date of sale. The same 30-day deadline applies to the transfer of the certificate of ownership, or “pink slip,” with extensions allowed only if the DMV returns an application due to missing information.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Caleb Dean DeBinion (DOB 10/12/88), of Thousand Oaks, was convicted by a jury on February 21, 2025, for the rape and sexual assault of a woman in a motel room. The jury found DeBinion guilty of forcible rape, false imprisonment, forcible oral copulation, sexual battery, and two counts of sexual penetration by force or fear. Following the verdict, DeBinion was remanded into custody pending sentencing.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the victim for her bravery in facing her accuser in court. We are grateful she was able to obtain the justice she deserves,” Deputy District Attorney Rosa Romero said. “I also want to thank the jury for their careful and thorough consideration of all the evidence.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Austin Allen Eis (DOB 05/29/98), of Camarillo, has pleaded guilty to 10 felony charges and special allegations related to a series of violent attacks on April 18, 2023. Eis pled guilty in Ventura County Superior Court to the first-degree murder of 15-year-old Wesley Welling, multiple counts of premeditated attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment by violence. Each count Eis pled guilty to is a strike offense. He also admitted to special allegations, including personal use of a car and knife as a deadly weapon, and inflicting great bodily injury.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Stanislav Skudarnov (DOB 05/06/87), of Camarillo, has been charged with possession of an assault weapon and unlawful transfer of a firearm. He was arraigned on February 18, 2025, and pled not guilty to all counts.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Martin Herrejon Vieyra (DOB 11/06/67), of Santa Paula, has been charged with four felony counts of child molestation. Vieyra faces three counts of continuous sexual abuse and one count of sexual penetration by a foreign object with a child under the age of 14. He is also accused in the criminal complaint of special allegations, including crimes against multiple victims. Vieyra made his first court appearance today and his arraignment was continued.

“These horrific allegations date back decades, causing the victims to suffer in silence,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Today, however, thanks to the victims’ courage, we have brought these crimes to light and taken the necessary steps of arrest and prosecution.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Joel Quinonez (DOB 02/22/2001), of Compton, California, was sentenced on February 11, 2025, to 16 months in the Ventura County Jail for committing automobile theft. Quinonez previously pled guilty on January 13, 2025, to one felony count of auto theft.

Quinonez was a member of a ring of car thieves who stole multiple newer-model vehicles in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in October and November 2024. In all instances, the thieves were able to steal the vehicles by using tools to gain electronic access to unlock and operate the vehicles.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that a 15-year-old Ventura High School student has been charged with multiple offenses after being found with a firearm and ammunition on campus. A juvenile petition alleges felony conspiracy, a gang allegation, carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of a firearm in a school zone.

The minor was arraigned in Juvenile Court on February 3, 2025, where a judge ordered continued detention. A trial is scheduled for February 24, 2025, in courtroom J3 at the Juvenile Justice Complex in Oxnard. The juvenile remains in custody at the Juvenile Facility.

Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman and Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko joined Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and other California lawmakers to announce the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 469, bipartisan legislation aimed at providing law enforcement with stronger tools to combat looting and the impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other disasters.

“In times of crisis, when families are at their most vulnerable, looters prey on devastation and despair,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “This legislation strengthens protections for disaster victims by ensuring harsher penalties for those who exploit emergencies for personal gain. By increasing accountability and closing loopholes, we are sending a clear message—those who take advantage of tragedy will face serious consequences.”

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a new partnership between Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to implement the Family Justice Centers Peer Program. Funded through Proposition 63 Mental Health Services Act, VCBH is committing $1.25 million through June 30, 2026.

Through this agreement, critical peer support will be provided to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, helping them navigate the path to recovery. VCBH funds will support the research, development, and implementation of the peer support program at the Family Justice Centers. The program aims to foster resilience and empower victims by offering peer navigation and mentorship from trained specialists who have lived experience in overcoming similar challenges.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Jelaniwarren Joseph (DOB 04/14/2000), of Woodland Hills, has been charged for selling counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” pills containing fentanyl to Ventura County residents. Joseph faces six felony counts related to the possession and sale of fentanyl, as well as the possession of a firearm. Special allegations and aggravating factors include the involvement of a large quantity of contraband and a prior strike offense. He pled not guilty to all charges at today’s arraignment.