The top law enforcement officials from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and the Ventura County Chief Executive Dr. Sevet Johnson joined Rep. Carbajal to emphasize the impact that fentanyl trafficking has had on the Central Coast, including the deadly rise in opioid-related overdoses in recent years.
Rep. Carbajal Joins Ventura and Santa Barbara Law Enforcement to Highlight Bipartisan Legislation Poised to Become Law that He Co-Led to Increase Federal Efforts to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking
Newbury Park Man Arraigned on Murder Charge After Attack on Parents
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Scott Goldberg (DOB 05/22/02), of Newbury Park, was arraigned on felony murder and felony assault with a deadly weapon charges stemming from an alleged hammer attack on his parents. His mother, Alison Marshall died from her injuries. Goldberg pled not guilty in Ventura County Superior Court today. He also denied all special allegations, including that he personally used a deadly weapon and that he personally inflicted great bodily injury.
Woodland Hills Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking Ventura County Women
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on December 15, 2023, Derrick Toole (DOB 09/27/64) of Woodland Hills, pled guilty to two felony stalking charges. The crime of stalking occurs when any person willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. Toole also admitted to the special allegation that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism.
Newbury Park Man Sentenced in Animal Cruelty Case
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on December 13, 2023, Miles Matthew Berry (DOB 02/21/89), of Newbury Park, was sentenced to 180 days in Ventura County Jail and 24 months of formal probation. As part of his probation terms, Berry is prohibited from owning any animals. Berry had previously pled guilty on November 9, 2023, to felony commercial burglary over $950 and felony cruelty to an animal. He also admitted to the special allegation that the crime involved great violence.
Fillmore Man Convicted of Lewd Acts on a Child
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Vidal Vargas Morales (DOB 12/30/60), of Fillmore, was convicted by a Ventura County jury of one felony count of lewd acts upon a child who was 15 years old. The court also found true the special allegation that Morales took advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense.
Santa Paula Architectural Firm Approved for Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center in Oxnard
At the regular meeting, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a professional services contract with Anderson Kulwiec Appleby Architects (AKA), from Santa Paula. The architectural firm will be completing architectural and engineering services for the remodel of the recently acquired 545-555 South A Street building in Oxnard, the future home of the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center (FJC).
Santa Barbara Man Charged with Luring Minor for Sex Acts
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Samuel William Lafond (DOB 04/01/88), of Santa Barbara, has been arraigned on one felony charge of luring after a sting operation by the Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force (CEHTTF). Lafond pled not guilty at his arraignment in Ventura County Superior Court.
Tri-County Dist. Attys. Team Up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving for Holiday Public Service Announcement
The District Attorneys of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo have joined forces with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to create a safe and sober driving message for the month of December, which is Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The PSA highlights the dangers and life-changing consequences that impaired driving can have. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Senior Investigator Judi Estrada shares her story. Judi was struck by a drunk driver while in the car with her family. The crash has impacted every aspect of her life since that day.
Ventura County Named Safest Large County in California
Ventura County law enforcement is pleased to highlight a recent report on crime rates published by the Ventura County Civic Alliance. The report identifies Ventura County as the safest large county in California, according to data from the California Department of Justice.
Board of Supervisors Approves Firearm Relinquishment Crime Analyst Position for DA’s Bureau of Investigation
Today in a unanimous vote during the regular meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a new position within the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation. This position, a Crime Analyst II, will be funded by a California AB 178 Firearms Relinquishment Grant.
