District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jasmine Shante Faniel, (DOB 05/09/85), also known as Teresa Dennis, of Conyers Georgia, was sentenced on October 30, 2024, to nine months in jail, two years formal probation, and ordered to pay victim restitution for her role in a real estate wire fraud scheme.
Georgia Woman Sentenced in Real Estate Wire Fraud Scheme
District Attorney Warns of New Email Scam
VENTURA, Calif. – In recent weeks, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has received reports of county residents being targeted by a specific email scam. The scam is unnerving because the email begins by listing the victim’s name, phone number, home address, and may even include a photo of the victim’s home. The scammers use this tactic to make the victims feel that they have been singled out and to create fear.
Oxnard Man Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Two Children
VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Anibal Paz Perez (DOB 01/31/77) of Oxnard, was convicted of multiple sex acts on two minor children. Perez was convicted of one count of committing an unlawful act with a child, two counts of lewd act upon a child, and one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The jury also found true all aggravating circumstances and special allegations, including the two victims were under the age of 14, they were vulnerable, that Perez engaged in substantial sexual conduct, and that he took advantage of a position of trust.
Los Angeles County Men Sentenced for Thousand Oaks Mall Robbery
VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Corey Thomas (DOB 04/13/06), of Los Angeles, and Jonathan Requejo (DOB 04/26/06) of Inglewood, were each sentenced on October 29, 2024, to two years in state prison. Both men previously pled guilty on September 10, 2024, to multiple felony counts of second-degree robbery, elder abuse, theft from elder, and conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery. Thomas further pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm, and felony evading from law enforcement. Numerous special allegations against each defendant were also found true, including: the crimes involved great violence, the victim was vulnerable, and great bodily injury to an elder over the age of 70.
Second Man Charged for Vandalism Hate Crime in Thousand Oaks
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Matthew Daniel Rakowski (DOB 07/21/06), of Simi Valley, has been charged with one count of felony vandalism and one misdemeanor count of a hate crime. Rakowski was also charged with the special allegation that the crime was committed in concert with another. He is the second suspect charged in this incident. Johann Bernhardt Patrick (DOB 09/28/06), of Thousand Oaks, was charged and arraigned for the same charges on October 17, 2024.
Rakowski will make his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court for arraignment on October 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. in courtroom 11. He is out of custody on $20,000 bail.
Warren Luther Alexander to Stand Trial for Three Cold Case Murders From 1977
Suspected serial killer Warren Luther Alexander (DOB 01/12/51), of Diamondhead, Mississippi, has been held to answer for three murders committed in 1977. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Paul Feldman made the decision on Friday, October 18, 2024, after a three-day preliminary hearing. At the hearing, 13 witnesses were called including three DNA analysts and a fingerprint examiner. Five of the witnesses were part of the original investigation in 1977.
Thousand Oaks Man Charged with Felony Vandalism and Hate Crime
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Johann Bernhardt Patrick (DOB 09/28/06), of Thousand Oaks, has been charged with one count of felony vandalism and one misdemeanor count of a hate crime. Patrick was also charged with the special allegation that the crime was committed in concert with another. Patrick pled not guilty at his arraignment on October 17, 2024.
Full Parole Board Denies Early Release for Convicted Rapist Andrew Luster
The full Board of Parole Hearings panel has reversed a previous decision finding inmate Andrew Stuart Luster (DOB 12/15/63) suitable for parole. In August, a two-person parole panel granted Luster’s early release. District Attorney Erik Nasarenko believes the August decision was based on significant errors of fact surrounding Luster’s offenses. In support of reversing the parole grant, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office submitted a letter to the full (En Banc) panel outlining these significant errors of fact.
“Our office stands firmly against the release of Andrew Luster,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “His heinous acts, which include drugging and raping his victims, warrant a full and complete prison sentence. During his time in state prison, Luster has continued to minimize his conduct and releasing him would be a grave injustice to the survivors and a threat to public safety.”
Thousand Oaks Man Convicted of 2021 Christmas Eve Murder
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Saul C Nava (DOB 04/30/00), of Thousand Oaks, was convicted by a jury of nine felony counts including the first-degree murder and torture of his girlfriend, Alisen Takacs-Escobar. Nava was also found guilty of torturing and kidnapping a previous girlfriend who survived his abuse. A judge will decide several special allegations tomorrow during a court trial. The allegations include whether the crimes involved great violence and if the victims were vulnerable.
“Although this result cannot erase the immeasurable pain the defendant inflicted on the victims and their families, we hope that this brings some measure of closure to see him held accountable for his horrific crimes,” Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell said.
Priest Pleads No Contest to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara (DOB 07/11/85), a priest in the Archdioceses of Los Angeles during the time of his crimes, pled no contest to one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material. He also admitted all the charged special allegations, including that he possessed over 600 images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of prepubescent minors under the age of 12.
A member of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, Martinez-Guevara was associated with several churches, including Our Lady of Guadalupe in Oxnard.
