Ventura County District Attorney’s Office

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Jose Zavala (DOB 06/13/85), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of four felony counts of sexual abuse against two minor victims. Zavala was found guilty of three counts of lewd acts upon a child and one count of continuous sexual abuse. Several special allegations were also found true, including that he took advantage of a position of trust or confidence and that the victims were particularly vulnerable.
Between 2019 and 2022, Zavala molested two victims. One was as young as six when the abuse started and the other was ten. The abuse took place regularly over several years. In 2023, both victims disclosed the abuses to mandated reporters who contacted law enforcement. Zavala gained access to the victims through a familial relationship.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Michael Kern, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The two young victims in this case showed exceptional courage by testifying in open court and confronting the person who harmed them,” Mr. Kern said. “Their strength made this verdict possible and reinforces that Ventura County will not tolerate crimes of this nature.”
Zavala is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 26 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He faces a maximum of 100 years to life in state prison.
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Case: 2024001044
Defendant Information: Jose Antonio Zavala Aldaco (DOB 06/13/85) Fillmore
Charges convicted of:
• (3 counts) PC 288(a) – Lewd act upon a child
• PC 288.5(a) – Continuous sexual abuse
Special allegations found true:
• PC 667.61(e)(4) – Multiple victim allegation
• PC 667.61(j)(2) – Victim under age 14
• PC 1203.066(a)(8) – Substantial sexual conduct with victim under 14 years of age
• CRC 4.421(a)(11) – The defendant took advantage of a position of trust or confidence to commit the offense
• CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was particularly vulnerable
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Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: November 10, 2025
Release No.: 25-136