See someone about to get behind the wheel after drinking? Intercept those keys! 🔑 Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Share this with a friend to remind them to make a plan before kickoff! #ImpairedDrivingEndsHere #MADD

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with compassionate, effective support,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Peer specialists, who can relate firsthand to these experiences, will be instrumental in guiding victims on their journey to healing.” LEARN MORE: @VCHCA @the_vcfjc

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake Law Enforcement & DA Calls 🚨 Scammers are posing as police officers—or even members of the District Attorney’s Office—claiming your loved one has been arrested and urgently needs bail money. In a recent local scam, a fraudster even had an accomplice pretend to be the distressed family member to pressure the victim into paying. These scams often target elderly individuals. ⚠️ Remember: Neither law enforcement nor the District Attorney’s Office will ever call to demand money for bail, court fees, or any other payments. 🔹 If you receive a call like this: ✅ Stay calm and don’t share personal info. ✅ Ask for the caller’s full name, ID number, and supervisor’s name. ✅ Hang up and independently verify by calling the official law enforcement agency or DA’s Office directly. 📢 If you believe you’ve been targeted, report it to your local police or sheriff’s office. Stay alert and help protect our community from fraud! #ScamAlert #FraudPrevention

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Jelaniwarren Joseph, of Woodland Hills, has been charged for selling counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” pills containing fentanyl to Ventura County residents. READ MORE:

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that charges have been filed against Jalen Amir Yoakum (DOB 08/07/2000), of Lancaster, following a theft investigation that led to a high-speed pursuit and violent crash in Camarillo. READ MORE:

We are excited to welcome DA Investigator Michael Dixon to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office! Michael joins our Bureau of Investigation after 10 years with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to public safety. We are grateful to have him on our team and look forward to his contributions in the pursuit of justice. Please join us in welcoming Investigator Dixon to the office!

This February, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office proudly celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth, honoring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

Last night, community members gathered at Monte Vista Presbyterian Church in Newbury Park for a Fentanyl Awareness Community Meeting, hosted in partnership with Soroptimist International of Conejo Valley. A distinguished panel of Ventura County leaders shared vital information on the deadly dangers of fentanyl and its devastating impact on our community. As we heard last night, one pill can kill—and counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl are flooding our streets. Think Again before taking any illicit drug, because it is most likely laced with fentanyl. Thank you to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged in this crucial conversation. By working together, we can save lives. ➡️ Learn more about fentanyl dangers and resources at #ThinkAgain #OnePillCanKill #FentanylAwareness #venturacounty

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko and members of the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force attended the grand opening of The Apathy Effect Exhibit—a powerful, immersive experience presented by Soroptimist Simi Valley and iEmpathize. This exhibit shares real stories of resilience and survival, shining a light on the harsh realities of human trafficking and the urgent need for action. 📅 Now through February 1, 2025 📍 Simi Valley United Methodist Church (2394 Erringer Rd, Simi Valley, CA) 🎟 Free Admission Together, we can fight exploitation and support survivors. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and create change! #EndHumanTrafficking #VCDA #ApathyEffect #iEmpathize

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office wishes everyone a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year! May the Year of the Snake bring wisdom, strength, and success to all who celebrate. 🐍 #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheSnake #VenturaCounty

Today, the Board of Supervisors recognized County of Ventura employees with 25+ years of service. That included several incredible members of the District Attorney’s Office honored for their decades of outstanding service. Chuck Swaim (IT), Marc Leventhal (SDDA), Tom Frye (SDDA), and Joann Roth (SDDA) were each celebrated for an impressive 25 years of commitment, while Senior Deputy DA Richard Simon was honored for an extraordinary 40 years of service! These remarkable individuals embody dedication, integrity, and excellence in public service. We are proud to have them as part of our team. Please join us in congratulating and thanking them for their incredible contributions! 💙 #PublicService #TeamDA #EmployeeRecognition

🚨 Landmark Case: A milestone in protecting our children and communities! We extend our gratitude to the @SacCountyDA for filing California’s first AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charge under a groundbreaking law sponsored by Ventura County prosecutors. Sacramento’s case is filed under Penal Code Section 311.11(a)(2). This law addresses the unlawful possession of AI-generated CSAM that exploits or simulates minors—an essential step in adapting to emerging technologies and ensuring justice. 💻⚖️ Special thanks to Kaylin Hayman, Assemblymember Marc Berman, Supervising DA Investigator Terry Dobrosky, Deputy DA Rikole Kelly, Senior DDA Michelle Contois, and Kim Stone from CDAA for their dedication and hard work in making this law a reality.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Micah Lanere Smith (DOB 01/14/78), of Calabasas, was convicted by a jury on January 24, 2025, of molestation against two underage victims. READ MORE:

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko extends his best wishes to former U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada as he recently concluded his tenure in Los Angeles. His dedication and partnership have been invaluable to Ventura County. We are especially grateful for his commitment to justice, including securing prison sentences for two Ventura County men involved in a violent crime spree, dismantling a nationwide crime tourism group, and prosecuting a Ventura County man sentenced for online child exploitation. Thank you, U.S. Attorney Estrada, for your service!

This morning, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office delivered bagels and coffee to the amazing team at the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office in honor of Medicolegal Death Investigator Week! 🥯☕ We are grateful for the important work they do every day, providing answers and compassion to families during some of their most difficult moments. Thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and service to our community. 💙 #MedicolegalDeathInvestigatorWeek

🎉 BIG Congratulations 🎉 Our Human Resources Director, Terri Anderson, has won a countywide Management Council Award for excellence in customer service! 👏 Terri's dedication and innovation set a high standard for us all. She also always has a smile! Well done, Terri—you’ve earned it!

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is supporting community members impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles by deploying trained victim advocates to aid at the FEMA run Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near UCLA. This collaboration follows a request from the City of Los Angeles, for additional assistance during this unprecedented disaster response. “Our hearts go out to the residents of Los Angeles as they recover from these devastating fires,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Our advocates will offer support and care during this time of need to ensure victims receive the comfort and advocacy they deserve.” LEARN MORE:

On Monday, our office joined local law enforcement participating in Ventura County’s 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in Oxnard. 🌟 Together with our community, we celebrated Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and service. #MLKDay #VenturaCounty #BeyondTheCourtroom

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Simi Valley Mayor Fred Thomas. “I spoke to Mayor Thomas in December, informing him that the East County Family Justice Center would be located in Thousand Oaks," said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. "As always, he was gracious, understanding and a consummate advocate for Simi Valley. He asked that transportation services between Simi and the Family Justice Center remain a top priority, a request that we are now working to implement. He was a true public safety champion and a fighter for crime victims, and he will be dearly missed.” During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his loved ones and the entire Simi Valley community as they mourn the loss of a truly remarkable individual.

DA Files 33 Prop 36 Cases in First Month After Becoming Law District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that 33 cases have been filed in the past month under the recently enacted provisions of Proposition 36, the "Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act," which took effect on December 18, 2024. Proposition 36 introduced significant changes to California law, including the addition of two new felony offenses to help combat repeat drug and theft offenses: Health and Safety Code section 11395 and Penal Code section 666.1. “The repeated lawlessness demonstrated by these offenders makes our communities unsafe,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “We will continue to use Proposition 36 to hold these habitual offenders accountable in a manner that is measured, that strikes a balance with drug treatment, and is consistent with the voters’ intent.” READ MORE: