News Releases

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Gerardo Hernandez Cruz (DOB 11/25/92), of Ventura, has been charged with three felony counts: human trafficking of a minor, forcible rape, and forcible sexual penetration with a minor over 14. He is also charged with four special allegations, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Paul Herder (DOB 03/20/58), of Pahoa, Hawaii, was sentenced on May 23, 2024, to 6 years 8 months prison. Herder previously pled guilty to six felony counts involving sexual conduct with a student, which included luring, digital penetration of a minor, and unlawful sexual intercourse. He also admitted special allegations that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit these offenses.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Enrique Gabriel Doria (DOB 11/20/97), of Oxnard, pled guilty on May 20, 2024, to one felony count of automobile insurance fraud.

On Wednesday May 22, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will hold a news conference to announce an additional murder charge against Rotherie Durell Foster (DOB 11/03/85), of Camarillo. Foster, who is already in custody and facing charges for the murder of Jose Velasquez, is now additionally being charged for the 2022 murder of Los Angeles County resident Bill Levy.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cameron Scott Lykins (DOB 11/02/95), of Ojai, was sentenced to 18 years prison for the death of Houston Auer. Lykins previously pled guilty on April 19, 2024, to one count of voluntary manslaughter. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that he used a deadly weapon and had strike priors.

“The true tragedy of this case is that Houston Auer is gone, and nothing can bring him back,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Christopher Harman said. “Today’s sentencing holds the defendant accountable for what the people could prove and will keep him off the street for a significant amount of time.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Richard Steven Valencia (DOB 09/26/78), of Santa Paula, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his neighbor. Valencia previously pled guilty on March 26, 2024, to four felony counts, including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He also admitted to several special allegations including personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and two strike priors.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Stephen Delacruz (DOB 01/13/87), of San Diego, pled guilty on May 14, 2024, to eight felonies including three counts of forcible rape, three counts of forcible oral copulation, and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object. Delacruz also admitted to the special allegations that the victim was under 18 years of age.

“Samantha was incredibly brave, courageous and just never gave up,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, who prosecuted the case. “Despite multiple setbacks and delays, she kept fighting for justice and to have her voice heard in court. Because of her determination to see her brother held accountable for these egregious crimes, the legal process did ultimately work.”

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.

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.

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 as a member of the professional staff and then as a Deputy District Attorney,” Ms. Hernandez said. “The time I have spent in this office and the work over the past 12 years, I will carry with me forever.”