News Releases

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten wants to remind the public about the free consumer mediation service provided by the District Attorney’s Office. This service may be especially beneficial to consumers during the current public emergency, as all small claims court cases are suspended at this time.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten warned today that county residents should be extra vigilant about mortgage, forbearance, and loan modification scams as financial predators seek to exploit the current COVID-19 pandemic.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Richard Barrios, III (DOB 10/27/92), of Camarillo, was charged with one felony count of a peace officer concealing physical evidence of a person’s innocence, a violation of Penal Code section 141(b); and a second felony count of filing a false police report, a violation of Penal Code section 118.1.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten wishes to alert county residents of a new Executive Order by Governor Gavin Newsom regarding price gouging. Pursuant to Executive Order N-44-20 issued April 3, 2020, retailers may not charge a price that is ten percent greater than the price that they charged on February 4, 2020, for food, consumer goods, medical supplies, emergency supplies, or any other materials previously designated by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services as Scarce Materials or Threatened Materials pursuant to section 102 of the Defense Production Act, 50 U.S.C. § 4512. However, consistent with the language of Penal Code section 396, retailers may charge more if their costs recently increased, or if they offered a reduced price as of February 4, 2020, they may charge their ordinary price for the item.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that consumers should be on the lookout for scammers trying to take advantage of county residents during this public health emergency.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Andrew Rodriguez (DOB 4/4/82), of Oxnard, was charged with the murder of Alexander Benevidez, of Oxnard, which occurred on March 14, 2020.

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Alfonso Islas (DOB 4/23/1994), of Oxnard, and Fher Ortega (DOB 12/14/2000), of Oxnard, were charged with the murder of Pete Mendez, of Oxnard, which occurred on January 11, 2020.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that District Attorney’s Office facilities will be closed to the public through March 31, 2020, with limited exceptions by appointment only.