News Releases

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today a distribution of $10,000 to the Health Care Foundation for Ventura County. This funding is made available from money seized in drug crimes, with the intent to redirect it toward programs that combat drug abuse. The forfeited funds will support addiction services within the Ventura County Medical Center.

“The Health Care Foundation for Ventura County has a history of providing essential medical care to the region and for some of our most vulnerable residents,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “This contribution signifies our commitment to supporting treatment services and fostering healthier communities.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jacob Anthony Caliboso (DOB 04/25/99), of Oxnard, was convicted by a jury of two second-degree murder counts for the deaths of Elva Andrade and Nevaeh Gomez.

“After four long years, Elva and Nevaeh’s family have received the justice they deserve,” Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Leija said. “I am grateful to the California Highway Patrol for their tireless investigation in this case. Because of their efforts, the jury heard overwhelming evidence of the defendant’s knowledge of the dangers of using drugs and driving. The jury’s verdict sends the message that impaired driving is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Ventura County.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Nathan Journigan (DOB 11/19/93), of Ventura, was sentenced on April 25, 2024, to five years state prison. He previously pled guilty on March 27, 2024, to felony criminal threats and felony preventing a police officer from performing their duty. Journigan also pled guilty to misdemeanor assault on a peace officer, and admitted to several special allegations and enhancements.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will host a ceremony at Ventura College commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) on April 25, 2024. The event in Guthrie Hall takes place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will include speakers and a march to raise awareness about crime victims. The event has been hosted by the District Attorney’s Office since 1981.

The theme for 2024 is “Fentanyl Awareness & Prevention: Options, Services and Hope for Crime Survivors.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Cameron Scott Lykins (DOB 11/02/95), of Ojai, pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter for the death of his friend, Houston Auer. Lykins also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that he used a deadly weapon and had strike priors.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Kenneth Rosen (DOB 07/15/57), formerly of Simi Valley, has been sentenced to 3 years 4 months state prison. He previously pled guilty on March 20, 2024, to one felony count of possession or control of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while being a registered sex offender, and two felony counts for distributing CSAM. Rosen also admitted to three special allegations, including that he had a large quantity of CSAM in his possession.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that David Guadalupe Calderon (DOB 02/25/93), of Oxnard, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 27 years to life for the first-degree murder of Edwin Herrera. Calderon was previously convicted by a jury on March 15, 2024. The jury also found true the gun special allegation. A judge found true other allegations, including a gang enhancement and a gang special circumstance.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Erick Estrada (DOB 08/31/88), of Ventura, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 126 years to life for the murder of Gabriel Gutierrez, and the attempted murder of two other men in a separate incident. Estrada was previously convicted by a jury on February 14, 2024, of the first-degree murder of Mr. Gutierrez, and for the attempted murder and assault with a firearm of both Michael Owens and Thomas Bakkila. Special allegations related to all counts were found to be true, including that Estrada committed the murder while lying in wait, and that he intentionally discharged a firearm.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kevin Ray James (DOB 09/23/67), of San Bernardino, has been held to answer for the 1997 murder of Monica Leech. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Derek Malan made the decision on April 10, 2024, after a three-day preliminary hearing where witnesses and evidence were presented.

An information arraignment is scheduled for April 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. James remains in custody without bail.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko testified in support of Assembly Bill 1831, during today’s Public Safety Committee hearing in Sacramento. The bill successfully passed out of the committee and will move on to the Privacy Committee. The proposed legislation, introduced by California Assemblymember Marc Berman and co-sponsored by District Attorney Nasarenko, seeks to strengthen laws against child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including AI-generated content, to better protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

“Right now, there is a gap in California Law,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Changes need to be made to keep up with the quickly changing technology. This is a serious, prurient, and very disturbing problem that the law needs to address.”