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.
***
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
***
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

Above is Flashes Varsity scoring a touchdown in their playoff game against Cerritos High School. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

Above is the Fillmore Flashes defense taking down a Cerritos player in last Friday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

A Flashes player takes a dive to put a stop to a Cerritos player trying to make his way up the field. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

Above are the Fillmore Flashes High School Cheerleaders during their halftime performance in Friday night’s CIF Playoff game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
Enlarge Photo

By FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
The Fillmore Flashes football team just wrapped up one of the most remarkable seasons in school history — a season defined by leadership, redemption, and pride in the blue and white.
After finishing last year with a 2–8 record, the Flashes stormed into 2025 determined to rewrite their story. And rewrite it they did — posting the program’s first nine-win regular season since 1989 and cementing themselves among the best Fillmore teams of the modern era.
This year’s squad didn’t just win — they broke barriers that stood for generations. The Flashes earned their first victories over Royal High School and Buena High School since the 1960s, marking a return to form against longtime Ventura County powerhouses. Their consistency and toughness also secured a fourth playoff appearance in five years, proving that Fillmore football is once again a force to be reckoned with.
And of course, no Fillmore season would be complete without the Route 126 rivalry showdown — and this year’s battle was one for the ages. The Flashes dominated the Santa Paula Cardinals to reclaim the Leather Helmet Trophy, notching their fourth rivalry win in the past five years and sending the Flashes crowd into a frenzy. The victory was more than just another win — it was a statement about legacy, tradition, and pride in Fillmore Blue.
Much of this success can be credited to an outstanding senior class whose leadership and belief set the tone for the entire program. Captains Marcus Lechuga, Carlos Cabral, Mauricio Ocegueda, and Genaro Villela helped transform last year’s struggles into a season of triumphs — leading by example on and off the field and inspiring a new standard of excellence for the teams that will follow.
As the Flashes close the book on 2025, the message is clear: Fillmore football is alive, thriving, and built to last. The culture is strong, the tradition burns bright, and the future looks even brighter.

Residents of Fillmore are invited to come together for a morning of conversation, connection, and community spirit at the upcoming Coffee with Badges event, hosted at Roan Mills Grains.
This event will take place on Wednesday, November 12th, from 8:00 am to 9:30 am, at Roan Mills, located at 411 Central Avenue, and will feature first responders from the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Ventura County Probation Agency. Community members are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a cup of locally brewed coffee, and engage in friendly discussions with the first responders who serve their community every day.
Coffee with Badges is all about building relationships. First responders want people to feel comfortable approaching them, asking questions, and getting to know them beyond the badge.
Guests will be treated to complimentary coffee from Roan Mills, a beloved local bakery known for its breads, pastries, and warm community atmosphere.
The informal event offers a welcoming space for residents to share ideas, express concerns, or simply chat with first responders in a casual and friendly setting. No speeches or agendas – just good coffee and good conversation.
Join us in the fight against crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: November 7th, 2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
***
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
***
Community: Media Release: Coffee with Badges
Nature of Incident: Coffee with Badges
Report Number: N/A
Location: Roan Mills Grains, 411 Central Ave, Fillmore
Date & Time: November 12th, 8 am – 9:30 am
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

A Fillmore Sheriff’s deputy launching a drone from El Dorado Mobile Homes in search of the attempted murder suspect who was eventually located near Pole Creek on 4th Street. Photo credit Sebastian Ramirez.

On 10/30/2025, at about 9:13 AM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 200 block of E. Telegraph Road in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon which had just occurred.
Upon arrival, deputies located an adult female suffering from serious injuries consistent with being assaulted with a pick axe. The victim was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for medical care.
Sheriff’s Dispatch worked with reporting parties and were able to identify the suspect as (S) Juan Carlos Saucedo, a 19-year-old Fillmore resident. Saucedo was recently released from custody on his own recognizance for felony resisting a peace officer.
Patrol personnel quickly learned Saucedo had fled the area on foot. Additional resources from the Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, and Sheriff’s K9 Unit responded to assist with the investigation and actively searched for Saucedo in the immediate and surrounding areas.
Shortly after 10:00 AM, with assistance from diligent members of the community, Sheriff’s personnel were able to locate Saucedo hiding in the area near Pole Creek and Fourth Street. Once resources arrived, deputies developed a plan and took Saucedo into custody without incident.
Shortly after 1:00 PM, detectives from the Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for Saucedo’s residence, which was the same location as the assault. During the warrant service, crime scene investigators located additional evidence linking Saucedo to the attempted murder.
As a result of the investigation, Saucedo was arrested for Penal Code § 664/187 – [Attempt Murder]. He was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked pending court proceedings.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 10/31/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Attempt Murder
Report Number: 25-139577
Location: 200 block of E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore
Date & Time: 10/30/2025, 9:13 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Sheriff’s Air Unit, Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Sheriff’s Dispatch, Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Adult Female, Fillmore, N/A
(S) Juan Carlos Saucedo, Fillmore, 19

Fillmore, CA — Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The Fillmore and Piru communities will come together once again to honor the brave men and women who have served our country at the annual Fillmore-Piru Veteran’s Day Celebration, set for Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Veteran’s Day Parade along Central Avenue, featuring local organizations, marching bands, community groups, and honored veterans. Leading this year’s parade as Grand Marshal will be Mark Dominguez, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and interim Fillmore Police Chief and Peace Officer, recognized for his exemplary service to both his country and community.
Following the parade, a Luncheon will be served at Fillmore Middle School, located at 543 A Street. The meal is $15 per person, with veterans eating free as a token of appreciation for their service.
The day’s events will continue with the Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony, scheduled to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Fillmore City Councilman and U.S. Veteran John Garnica, who will share reflections on service, sacrifice, and community.
Residents are encouraged to attend and spend the day celebrating our nation’s heroes. The event remains one of Fillmore’s most cherished traditions, uniting generations in gratitude and remembrance.
Come out and show your support—join us in honoring those who have given so much for our freedom.