News Releases

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that in the wake of the alleged sexual misconduct at The Thacher School in Ojai, the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) is available to assist all those who have been impacted by these painful events.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jason Paul Ellis (DOB 07/05/81), of Simi Valley, was sentenced to 120 days in jail for embezzlement of personal property by a carrier and being an unlicensed household mover.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nelson Manuel Rivas (10/21/98), of Oxnard, has been charged in the death of one juvenile female and the serious bodily injury of another.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Sun Air Jets, LLC (Sun Air), located in Camarillo, has agreed to a $75,000 settlement including a final judgment and permanent Injunction following a jet fuel spill at the Camarillo Airport.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Mary Eugenia Karacas (DOB 01/16/41), of Simi Valley, pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Salvatore Orefice, also of Simi Valley. Karacas also admitted she personally used a firearm during the commission of the crime. In a separate case, Karacas pled guilty to one count of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury for attacking and biting Erin Edwards of Ojai.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Peter John Codella (DOB 03/05/56), of Oxnard, was charged with the murder of Matias Lopez, of Oxnard. The complaint charges one count of murder with a special allegation that Codella personally used his vehicle as a deadly weapon. Codella was also charged with fleeing the scene of an accident causing death.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Savannah Millar-Cardiel (DOB 02/12/94) and Jason Aaron Rodriguez (DOB 09/24/93), both of Moorpark, pled guilty to felony automobile insurance fraud. Rodriguez also pled guilty to hit-and-run driving.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Branden Lackie (DOB 11/31/91), of Simi Valley, has been charged with arson and the murder of David Crammond, also of Simi Valley.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Oscar Garcia, age 18, of Oxnard, admitted the April 22, 2018 second-degree murder of Jose Lopez that occurred in the city of Oxnard. Garcia also admitted the allegations that he used a gun, and for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Garcia also admitted the May 20, 2018 second-degree murder of Adrian Ornelas that also occurred in the city of Oxnard. Garcia was 15 years old when he committed both crimes and was prosecuted as a juvenile.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Lisa Cohen (DOB 12/23/66), of Oak Park, was charged with being mandated to report elder abuse and failing to do so.