News Releases

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Home Depot Inc. entered a stipulated judgment and will pay $750,000 in penalties, fees, and restitution to settle a civil lawsuit brought by multiple district attorney’s offices alleging violations of California Civil Code section 1749.5, the California Gift Card Law.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of the District Attorney’s Offices of Ventura, Los Angeles, Sonoma, and Contra Costa Counties, alleged that Home Depot unlawfully denied California consumers the right to cash out store gift cards valued at less than $10, as required by the Gift Card Law.

“We vigorously enforce gift card redemption laws to protect and safeguard consumers,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “Large corporations should not profit from unfair business practices that leave store patrons without a full return on their investment.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Emerson Mercado (DOB 03/16/91), of Fillmore, pled guilty on July 9, 2024, to one count of felony automobile insurance fraud.

Mercado is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Automobile insurance fraud is punishable by up to five years in county jail and a fine up to $50,000, or double the amount of fraud, whichever is greater.

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is issuing a warning to residents and visitors about the severe dangers associated with illegal fireworks. The presence and misuse of these fireworks pose significant risks across our communities, leading to fires, injuries, and loud explosions that scare our dogs and cats and can be particularly distressing for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In Ventura County, the sale, use, and possession of fireworks are strictly regulated. Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted, and these are only legal within the city limits of Fillmore. It’s crucial to note that even if you legally purchase “Safe and Sane” fireworks in Fillmore, their use or possession outside of Fillmore is illegal throughout the rest of Ventura County.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that two juveniles have been charged for the assault on a homeless woman in Ventura. The suspects, 13 and 14 years old, are each charged in juvenile court with assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit a crime, and elder or dependent adult abuse.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Stephen Delacruz (DOB 01/13/87), of San Diego, was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for sex crimes committed against his younger sister. Delacruz previously pled guilty on May 14, 2024, to eight felonies including three counts of forcible rape, three counts of forcible oral copulation, and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object. Delacruz also admitted special allegations that the victim was under 18 years of age.

“Samantha demonstrated great resiliency and determination as she fought for justice and accountability in this case,” District Attorney Nasarenko said. “Facing her brother during today’s sentencing to give her victim impact statement took incredible strength and courage.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Javier Miramontez Jr. (DOB 08/19/92), of Oxnard, was sentenced on June 11, 2024, to 24 years state prison for the molestation of a young family member. Miramontez Jr. previously pled guilty on May 15, 2024, to three felony counts of lewd acts on a minor. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that the victim was vulnerable, and that he took advantage of a position of trust.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Neydi Garcia (DOB 10/18/82), of Camarillo, was sentenced to 4 years 4 months state prison. Garcia, also known as Neydi Villegas and Neydi Alargunsoro, previously pled guilty on May 26, 2023, to seven felony counts of grand theft from her employer, one felony count of identity theft, and one felony count of filing a false or fraudulent tax return. She admitted she stole more than $500,000. She also admitted several special allegations and aggravating factors, including that she took advantage of a position of trust, and carried out the crime with planning, sophistication, and professionalism.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Phillip Allen Fleming (DOB 06/09/59), of Simi Valley, was sentenced on June 20, 2024, to 7 years 4 months state prison. Fleming previously pled guilty on May 1, 2024, to one count of felony continuous sexual abuse, and two counts of felony lewd acts upon a child. He also admitted to special allegations that the victim was under 18 years of age, the victim was vulnerable, and that he took advantage of a position of trust.

“Thanks to the victim’s bravery in coming forward and Simi Valley Police Detective Kellyn King’s thorough investigation, this perpetrator has been brought to justice,” Deputy District Attorney Benjamin Moreno said. “With offenses dating back to 1996, this case shows that if you are a victim of child sexual abuse, California’s extended statute of limitations on child sex crimes means it may not be too late to come forward and obtain justice.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today the arrest and extradition to Ventura County of Abdoul Aziz Bah (DOB 05/31/94), also known as (aka) Richard Anderson, of Stockbridge, Georgia. Bah has been charged with three felonies, including one count of receiving stolen property, and two counts of money laundering. Bah pled not guilty at today’s arraignment.

“We are committed to investigating real estate fraud and criminally prosecuting money laundering schemes and bogus fronts for ill-gotten gains,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Elsworth Dennis Cadle (DOB 09/08/52), of Moorpark, was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. Cadle previously pled guilty on May 14, 2024, to the second-degree murder of his brother-in-law, Mark Milton. He also admitted to the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm resulting in death.

“This was a heartbreaking incident for the family,” Supervising Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Suttner said. “My hope is that today’s significant sentence will provide a path for the family to begin healing.”