Ventura County District Attorney's Office

NEWS RELEASE:
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Ronald Jelaniwarren Joseph (DOB 04/14/00), of Woodland Hills, was sentenced on May 27, 2026, to seven years in state prison for selling counterfeit Oxycodone “M-30” pills containing fentanyl to Ventura County residents. Joseph previously pled guilty on January 12, 2026, to two felony counts of selling and transporting fentanyl and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He also admitted to several special allegations and aggravating factors including the involvement of a large quantity of contraband and a prior strike offense.

Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) detectives discovered that Joseph was allegedly using social media to advertise illicit fentanyl pills. Through undercover operations and surveillance, investigators determined he had an established customer base in Ventura County.

“This case is an example of the important work being done by VC FOCUS and our law enforcement partners to keep fentanyl out of Ventura County,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger said. “Every seizure of these deadly counterfeit pills has the potential to save lives.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4vRzFqr

Lying on an auto insurance claim is fraud. It is a felony with serious penalties including jail time and heavy fines.

Help keep insurance costs lower for everyone. Report suspected fraud to our Auto Insurance Fraud Unit at 805-662-1750.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

Elder abuse isn't always physical. Financial scams and fraud can devastate older adults, costing them their savings, independence, and peace of mind.

Protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or mail urging immediate action.
• Never share personal information, passwords, or PINs.
• Slow down. Scammers use urgency to create panic.
• Hang up, delete, and verify before responding.
• Report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately.

Awareness is prevention. Help protect Ventura County's seniors from financial exploitation.

Today, members of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office proudly joined the Law Enforcement Torch Run alongside the Ventura Police Department and the FBI, carrying the Flame of Hope from Ventura City Hall through downtown Ventura to the pier in support of Special Olympics athletes. The Law Enforcement Torch Run raises awareness and support for Special Olympics athletes and their achievements.

NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Frank Leslie Blessing (DOB 06/26/67), of Simi Valley, has been charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from a violent incident that resulted in significant property damage and the attempted murder of a police officer. Blessing is charged with one count of attempted murder of a peace officer, one count of assault upon a peace officer, three counts of felony vandalism, and two counts of battery on a peace officer or nurse. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including use of a deadly weapon, and the crime involved great violence. Blessing made his first court appearance on June 1, 2026, where his arraignment was continued. Judge Paul Feldman called the alleged conduct “egregious” and held Blessing in custody with no bail after prosecutors successfully argued he remains a danger to the community.

“The allegations describe a deliberate and escalating series of violent acts,” said District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Using a car to allegedly attempt to murder a police officer is a heinous act that requires the strongest of consequences.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3S2zGJc

State Route 126 is one of Ventura County’s busiest and most dangerous roadways.

A few extra miles per hour can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Slow down on State Route 126. Safe speeds save lives.

More than 1,000 people attended last week’s Reiter Affiliated Companies Employee Resource Fair, where Investigative Assistants Aimee Spriggs and Michelle Serrano proudly represented our office.

They connected with community members, shared information about our services, and highlighted resources available through our Child Abduction & Recovery Unit (CARU). Thank you to Reiter Affiliated Companies for hosting this great event and to Aimee and Michelle for their outstanding outreach efforts!

June is Pride Month. 🌈

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office stands with the LGBTQ+ community and remains committed to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of every person we serve.

Happy Pride!

We were honored to have Art Bliss accept the Champion for Hope award on behalf of his late wife, Hon. Colleen Toy White, at the 2026 Voices of Hope Gala.

Judge White dedicated 18 years to serving Ventura County in the District Attorney’s Office before going on to serve 23 years on the Ventura County Superior Court bench. As a judge, her vision and leadership helped create the Domestic Violence Court, an accomplishment she considered among her proudest. She also established the Ventura County Superior Court Self Help Center, providing free resources and guidance on divorce, child custody, and restraining orders for those in need.

Judge White’s compassion, fairness, and unwavering commitment to victims and survivors left a lasting impact on Ventura County that will continue to be felt for generations.

NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Javier Gomez (DOB 11/22/05), of Thousand Oaks, was sentenced on May 26, 2026, to five years in state prison for a racially-motivated baseball bat attack on an African American man. Gomez previously pled guilty on April 27, 2026, to one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon. He also admitted all aggravating factors and charged special allegations, including the gang allegation, hate crime allegation and causing great bodily injury.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Hayley Moyer, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crime Gangs Unit, prosecuted the case.

“This brutal, racially motivated attack was fueled by hate and carried out with shocking violence,” Ms. Moyer said. “Ventura County prosecutors will not tolerate gang-related violence or crimes targeting individuals because of their race. This sentence holds the defendant accountable and reflects the serious harm inflicted on the victim and our community.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4egJMhl