News Releases

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Zarbab Ali (DOB 01/04/97), of Hawthorne, has been held to answer for the first-degree murder of Simi Valley resident Rachel Castillo.

Following a two-day preliminary hearing, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Paul Feldman determined there was sufficient evidence to move forward to trial. In addition to the murder charge, Judge Feldman held Ali to answer on multiple special allegations, including the use of a deadly weapon, murder committed for financial gain, and murder committed by means of lying in wait. Ali is also charged with the unlawful mutilation, disinterment, or act of sexual contact upon a human corpse.

“This was a senseless and brutal killing that shocked our community,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We remain committed to securing justice for Rachel Castillo and her loved ones for this horrific crime.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Marcelino Arias Arca (DOB 06/19/56), of Oxnard, was sentenced on April 7, 2025, to 480 years to life in state prison for molesting two child victims. Arca was previously convicted by a jury on March 5, 2025, of six felony counts of lewd acts upon a child. The jury also found true a special allegation that there were multiple victims. Arca admitted other special allegations including two prior convictions for molestation in 1988.

“Decades ago, this defendant went to prison for sexually abusing a child. When given a second chance, he chose not to change—instead, he went on to sexually abuse two more children, this time within his own family,” Mr. Moreno said. “This sentence reflects the severe and lasting harm he caused and sends a clear message that child sexual abuse will not be tolerated, especially by repeat offenders.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ivan Andre Chamorro Santibanez (DOB 12/07/01), of Chile, was sentenced to 14 years state prison on April 7, 2025, for committing 10 residential burglaries in Ventura County. Chamorro Santibanez previously pled guilty on March 7, 2025, to 10 felony counts of first-degree residential burglary and one felony count of conspiracy to residential burglary. He also admitted to all special allegations and aggravating circumstances, including a strike prior for residential burglary and that the crimes were carried out in a manner that indicated planning, sophistication, and professionalism.

“This sentence reflects the serious impact residential burglaries have on victims and our community,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Paul Nuñez said. “The defendant carefully planned and executed these crimes, violating the sanctity and safety of people’s homes.”

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), recognizing the importance of supporting victims and honoring those who advocate for their rights. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating communities on the prevalence of sexual violence and the importance of prevention.

As part of this observance, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will host a Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at California Lutheran University’s Kingsmen Park. The event, taking place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend to support victims, raise awareness, and honor those dedicated to seeking justice.

“The focus of this year’s event is to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent sexual assault,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “We stand with survivors, support prevention efforts, and honor those who work tirelessly to seek justice.”

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that John Williams (DOB 03/04/93), of Ventura, has been charged with six felony counts and three misdemeanors in connection with vandalism involving swastikas on public and private property.

Williams is charged with three felony counts of vandalism for damage exceeding $400, three felony hate crime counts of placing a terrorizing symbol on private property, two misdemeanor counts of vandalism, and one misdemeanor count of possession of a stun gun by a convicted felon. He also faces special allegations for committing the crimes while on parole and having a prior strike conviction.

“Vandalism involving vile symbols like swastikas is more than just property damage. It is a hate-filled message intended to spread fear, sow division and endanger our communities,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will aggressively prosecute the defendant to ensure accountability and uphold public safety.”

Williams was arraigned on April 2, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. His early disposition conference is set for April 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody with bail set at $250,000.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that   Charles Edward Gaines III (DOB 07/05/96), was convicted of forcible sex crimes committed against three women. Gaines was also convicted of attempting to rape a fourth victim.

On February 25, 2025, a jury convicted Gaines of forcible sodomy and attempted rape of two victims. The jury deadlocked on other charges. Today, Gaines pled guilty to forcibly raping the two additional victims and admitted that one of the victims was a minor at the time of the attack.

“Gaines targeted women who were vulnerable,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Nibecker said. “But what he didn’t count on was their bravery. The courage these women showed by assisting in this investigation and then coming to court and sharing what he did to them was exceptional. Their actions served to protect others from being victimized by Gaines.”

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nitun “Nate” Dayalghai Ahir (DOB 6/17/1981) was arraigned on March 28, 2025, on a felony complaint for the crimes of unlicensed practice of medicine, fraudulent use of the terms “doctor” or “physician,” theft from an elder or dependent adult by a caretaker, and identity theft. Ahir is also charged with several aggravating factors, including that the victim was vulnerable and the defendant took advantage of a position of trust. He pled not guilty to all charges.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Josefino Cayetano Maldonado (DOB 12/13/79), of Salinas, pled guilty on March 25, 2025, to the second-degree murder of Eudelia Gonzalez. Maldonado also admitted to the special allegation that he used a deadly weapon to commit the crime. He is expected to be sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison. Under California law, a conviction for second-degree murder carries a sentence of 15 years to life. Additionally, the special allegation of personally using a deadly weapon increases the sentence by one year.

“My hope is this plea and eventual sentence will help the victim’s family find the long-awaited closure they have been patiently waiting for,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Tom Steele, who prosecuted the case.

Maldonado is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, at 9 a.m. in courtroom 48 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Micah Lanere Smith (DOB 01/14/78), of Calabasas, was sentenced to 63 years to life in state prison. He was previously convicted by a jury on January 24, 2025, of molestation against two underage victims.

“The victims suffered years of abuse during their childhoods. The defendant, entrusted with their care, instead betrayed them through physical and sexual abuse,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Edward “Ted” Andrews said. “The jury recognized their suffering and held the defendant accountable, and the court has sentenced him to life.”

Accused drug dealer Rodney Rey Yanez (DOB 03/11/69), of Oxnard, has been held to answer for the second-degree murder of Dylan Rusch. Ventura County Superior Court Judge Diana Aizman made the decision today after a four-day preliminary hearing. At the hearing, 16 witnesses were called including a firefighter paramedic and several law enforcement narcotics experts.

“This case marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to hold drug dealers accountable for the deadly consequences of fentanyl,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who profit from this poison and pursue justice for victims and their families.”

This is Ventura County’s first fentanyl-related murder prosecution, charging a defendant who allegedly sold the deadly drug to a victim who fatally overdosed. Yanez is also charged with an additional nine felonies and four misdemeanors related to his alleged drug possession and sale activity.