News Releases

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ida Veronica Hernandez (DOB 06/27/80) pleaded guilty on January 21, 2026, to seven felony counts of grand theft and one felony count of filing a false or forged document, arising from an extensive embezzlement scheme committed while she was employed as a bookkeeper for a Thousand Oaks medical practice. Hernandez also admitted a special allegation that the losses exceeded $100,000.

Between 2020 and 2021, Hernandez was entrusted with access to company bank accounts and financial records in her role as office manager and bookkeeper. Instead of using that access for legitimate business purposes, Hernandez transferred large sums of the business’s money into bank accounts controlled by herself and her relatives. Investigators determined that Hernandez used multiple aliases and created fictitious employees to conceal the thefts, directing payroll payments to accounts she controlled. Hernandez stole at least $556,000 from the business.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Trinidad Bueno Garcia (DOB 02/11/75), of Van Nuys, was sentenced on January 21, 2026, to 15 years in state prison for leading a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation impacting Ventura County.

Garcia previously pled guilty to conspiracy to possess fentanyl for sale. At the time of his plea, Garcia admitted that the offense involved more than four kilograms of fentanyl, triggering a significant weight enhancement. He also admitted that the crime involved a large quantity of contraband and was carried out with planning, sophistication, and professionalism.

“This defendant led a drug trafficking organization responsible for moving an enormous amount of fentanyl into our community, putting countless lives at risk,” narcotics prosecutor Devin Mirchi said. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and sends a clear message that fentanyl trafficking will be met with significant consequences in Ventura County.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four members of a sophisticated burglary crew have pled guilty to charges stemming from a coordinated commercial burglary that occurred on May 25, 2025, at 5-Star Jewelry and Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Shop in Simi Valley, resulting in losses exceeding $2 million.

“This was not a crime of opportunity,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “These defendants planned carefully, conducted surveillance, and used specialized tools and techniques to carry out a highly sophisticated burglary that caused enormous financial harm. Their guilty pleas ensure accountability and reflect the strength of the evidence in this case.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Christopher Lee Wieser (DOB 08/26/80), of Oak View, was sentenced to six years in state prison for three felony domestic violence charges. A jury previously convicted Wieser on September 22, 2025, of inflicting corporal injury on a cohabitant, attempted aggravated mayhem, and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. Two special allegations were also found true: causing great bodily injury, and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that temporary staffing agency Man Staffing, LLC will pay $650,000 in civil penalties and restitution for failing to carry workers’ compensation insurance for its temporary employees from at least 2017 through 2023.

“Man Staffing’s refusal to obtain workers’ compensation insurance from licensed insurers shows a blatant disregard for worker safety and a willingness to gain an unfair advantage over other staffing companies that follow the law,” District Attorney Nasarenko said.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Gary Steven Daniel II (DOB 09/21/78), of Oxnard, pleaded guilty on January 15, 2026, in two cases involving his possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These convictions included admissions that he had previously been convicted of possessing CSAM, was a California sexual offender registrant, and had been released on bail when the second crime occurred. In total, Daniel pleaded guilty to three felony counts of possession or control of CSAM.

The Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC) announced today the expansion of on-site legal services with the addition of a second Ventura County Legal Aid (VCLA) attorney. This week, the new attorney began serving clients at the Family Justice Center, further strengthening support for victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.

“Ventura County Legal Aid provides crucial services for survivors navigating our complex civil legal systems, often during the worst times of their lives,” said Family Justice Centers Administrator Rachael Watkins. “They ensure rights of victims are upheld and empower clients to take actionable steps towards regaining control and independence while instilling hope throughout the process. We are grateful for their continued support and partnership.”

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Aaron Jabezz Holmes (DOB 12/02/95), of Oxnard, was sentenced on January 12, 2026, for the 2015 first-degree murder of Angel Diaz and for assault with a firearm against another victim. Holmes previously pleaded no contest on September 24, 2025, to first-degree murder, including the allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing death, and to assault with a firearm. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors including a prior strike.

At sentencing, and over the strong objection from prosecutors, the judge struck Holmes’ prior strike for robbery before sentencing him to 54 years to life for his crimes.

By striking the prior strike, the court reduced the amount of actual time Holmes will serve before becoming eligible for parole. Without the court’s ruling, Holmes would have been ineligible for youthful offender parole and statutory elder parole, delaying any possibility of parole until approximately age 60. As a result of this decision, Holmes will now be eligible for parole consideration at approximately age 44.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder of Rachael Castillo, the mother of their children. Ms. Castillo was in the process of divorcing the defendant, and the divorce was nearly complete at the time Ali murdered her. Ali was convicted on November 21, 2025, of first-degree murder with the special circumstance that the murder was committed by means of lying in wait. Prior to trial, Ali pled guilty to the felony crime of sexual contact with the victim’s remains after her death.

“Where any human being should feel shame, disgust, and loathing for what he has done, the defendant has shown no remorse,” Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell said. “His actions place him among the very worst offenders this court will ever see. He deserved no leniency, and today’s sentence ensures he will never again be free to endanger another person or inflict further harm on society.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Martin Herrejon Vieyra (DOB 11/06/67), of Santa Paula, has been convicted of rape and child molestation in a case involving multiple victims over several decades. The jury found Vieyra guilty of eight felony charges: rape by force, foreign object penetration, and six counts of lewd acts upon a child. Several special allegations and aggravating factors were also found true, including that there were multiple victims and the victims were particularly vulnerable.

“The passage of time does not erase the harm caused by sexual violence, nor does it diminish the responsibility of those who commit it,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Stuart Gardner said. “After a full jury trial, the verdict affirms that justice can still be achieved and that survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and protected—no matter how many years have passed.”