By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office / Fillmore Police Station’s Volunteer Unit is a community-based crime prevention program exercising pro-active law enforcement principles. This program is composed of highly motivated volunteers in our community who desire to interact, serve and protect their community. Our volunteers conduct a variety of assignments including but not limited to visibility patrols, assist with community-based activities such as parades, perform vacation house checks, conduct traffic control at collisions, help during local incidents and events, and other exciting duties. The contributions made by these trained volunteers have been an integral part of the support system needed to achieve our department’s law enforcement mission of providing public safety. Volunteers in Policing (VIP) members perform routine police related functions, allowing deputies to concentrate more on the duties that only sworn personnel can perform. The Fillmore Police Volunteer Unit is a self-governing non-profit 501(c)(4) organization with a structure and the oversight of the Fillmore Police Administration Bureau. The Sheriff's Volunteer Unit was established in 1989 and has accomplished a wide variety of assignments since then. In the early days, the unit was assigned to the Crime Prevention Office. In 1991, the volunteer unit became uniformed, making them more visible to the public and today this unit has evolved with an abundance of community responsibilities and caretaking. Our volunteers have designated VIP patrol vehicles. The volunteer force also performs various administration responsibilities to assist the public, along with a variety of other duties and special assignments. As articulated by the Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon, “The job for partnering is not just for the head of the law enforcement agency, it is for everyone in the organization and for those in the community who choose to participate. By partnering more with the public, officers, and community members alike will feel they are supported because of the relationships they form.” The Fillmore Police Station Volunteer Unit welcomes serious-minded retired or semi-retired individuals to apply for duty as Sheriff Volunteers. Training is provided and everyone is welcome! VIP Requirements Selected applicants must contribute 4 hours per month and attend regular training meetings and patrol briefings. The uniform will be provided at no cost. If you are interested in joining a positive environment and making a difference in your community as a VIP, please contact the below listed recruiters at the below listed number. Nature of Incident: Fillmore Police Department Volunteer Recruitment Location: Fillmore Police Department 524 Sespe Avenue Fillmore, CA Date & Time: March 24, 2025 Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Station ~ Volunteers in Policing (VIP) Prepared by: Sergeant Will Hollowell News Release Date: March 24, 2025 Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Will Hollowell or Email: William.hollowell@ventura.org Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
![]() On Monday, March 24th, at 4:47 a.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics responded to a single vehicle accident in the 100 block of East Telegraph Road, near El Dorado Drive. Arriving firefighters discovered a single truck in a fire hydrant barrier. The driver sustained minor injuries; cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 27th, 2025
![]() On Friday, March 21st, Fillmore Unified School District gathered with students and faculty for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Rio Vista Elementary Schools all-weather Track and Field. Photo credit https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2025/3/21/rio-vista-elementary-track-amp-field-grand-opening-ceremony. Enlarge Photo On Friday, March 21, 2025 at 8:15 a.m., Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) celebrated the grand opening of the new track and field at Rio Vista Elementary School. The event was attended by FUSD governing board trustees Olivia Palacio and Scott Beylik, City of Fillmore Council Member, John Garnica, AYSO President, Arnold Munoz, Heritage Valley Blazers President, Jared Perez, Superintendent Schieferle and members of FUSD’s administration team. Rio Vista Principal Beverly Garnica had the honor of cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new track and field. The new track is a 200 meter (approximately 656 foot) all-weather track with a soccer field in the middle. The track will also be used by students for activities during recess and Physical Education classes. FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “The new track and field project was funded by our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) and is part of our ongoing commitment to upgrade facilities across our entire school district. I would like to thank our board of trustees, FUSD staff, and all partners involved for bringing this high-quality, state-of-the-art track and field to our students and our Fillmore-Piru community.” Rio Vista Elementary Principal Beverly Garnica said, “Today we officially opened our new Rio Vista Track and Field by holding a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Our students LOVE the new field and we are looking forward to many years of enjoyment. Great things are happening at FUSD!” |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
On 03/11/2025, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Fillmore Station arrested a 34-year-old woman for having an At about 1:59 PM, Sheriff’s patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station contacted what they believed to be a stranded motorist Sisson was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where she was booked pending court proceedings. The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 03/12/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO *** Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
![]() On Thursday, March 13th, at 2:36 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire, and AMR Paramedics investigated a semi-truck vs vehicle near the intersection of Ventura Street and B Street. Two ambulance transports were made; condition of the patients is unknown. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Courtesy https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=194 Posted on: February 24, 2025 Graffiti Removal The City is committed to keeping our community clean and graffiti-free. Our team removes graffiti using either a power If graffiti appears on private property, we must first obtain a signed Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form from the If you notice graffiti anywhere in the city, please report it as soon as possible so we can take the necessary steps for Online: Use our Public Works Contact Form and include a detailed description, the exact location, and photos of the graffiti Graffiti Hotline: Call (805) 524-1500 x802 to leave a voicemail with the detailed location and description of the graffiti. To complete the Consent for Entry to Remove Graffiti form use this link: Thank you for helping us keep our city clean! |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
![]() On Friday, March 7th, 2025, groundwork was spotted at Two Rivers Park in Fillmore as part of the renovations. Back in December 2024, Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, and Shiells Park were closed due to turf issues and other renovations. The baseball fields at Two Rivers Park, Rio Vista Park, Shiells Park reopened February 1st, while the soccer and football fields at Two Rivers Park will remain closed until the end of July 2025. The Dog Park at Two Rivers Park will remain open during this renovation period. For more information visit https://www.fillmoreca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=169. Enlarge Photo |
![]() On Friday, March 28th, the Fillmore High School Drama Program will take to the stage for the showing of “Death is Weird”. Students will be performing March 28th, March 29th, March 30th, April 4th and April 5th, in the high school drama room #18. Read article for more details. Above is the cast pictured left to right, Brandon Monroy, Valentin Garcia, Diana Martinez, Victoria Horn, Ruby Bronsten, Presley McLain, Rockey McDowell, Armando Avila, Marilin Curevas, Nico Furness, Destiny Juarez, and Randal Kamradt. Photo credit Diana Martinez. Photo credit Diana Martinez. Enlarge Photo By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Written by Diana Martinez Fillmore High School’s Drama Program makes their return to the stage with their production of “Death is Weird” this month on March 28th! Come see this hilarious (but also heartwarming) production at Fillmore High School’s Drama Room. This show is being led by four hardworking student directors Cody Sanchez, Presley McLain, Diana Martinez, and Ruby Bronsten! The cast is full of more than ten actors, most of them being high school students including three of the directors (Presley McLain, Diana Martinez, and Ruby Bronsten) as well Rockey Mcdowell, Valentin Garcia, Brandon Monroy, Marilin Curevas, Armando Avila, Nico Furness, Destiny Juarez, Randal Kamradt, and Victoria Horn. The show’s incredible crew members include Syndie Ruiz, Jantizin Mezai, Aaliyah Nunez, and Sandybelle Rangel. The opening night for this entertaining comedy is Friday, March 28, and will run for two weekends! There are five performance dates (March 28th, March 29th, March 30th, April 4th and April 5th). Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 7 pm and you can buy your tickets with cash ($7 for students/senior citizens and $10 for adults) starting at 6:30 pm at Fillmore High School’s Drama Room (Room 18). The March 30th performance is a matinee show that will begin at 2pm and the doors will be open at 1:30pm. Come support Fillmore’s young talent and uplift the arts in our community! All are always welcome. We can’t wait to see you all soon. |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
![]() On Friday, March 7th, at 3:43 a.m., Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire, and Fillmore Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire in the 300 block of Foothill Drive. While firefighters were enroute, flames and smoke could be seen throughout town. Arriving firefighters reported a vehicle fully engulfed, as well as burning vegetation, posing a structural threat to surrounding homes. Firefighters were able to put out the fire with the help of Ventura County Fire (Station27). Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
On 02/28/2025, patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 2000 block On 03/01/2025, California High Patrol (CHP) arrested (S) Orlando Samuel Encinas Martinez, a 30-year-old resident of On 03/04/2025, Fillmore detectives arrested Encinas Martinez for a violation of Penal Code § 459 – [Second Degree On 0 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
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![]() On Friday, March 7th, Fillmore Police responded to a call of 15-20 suspects involved in a fight in the 800 block of Edison Lane, Fillmore. Upon arrival police determined the suspects were part of a street gang and had fled the scene. After investigating police were able to make multiple arrests related to the incident. Enlarge Photo By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
On 03/07/2025, just after 5:00 PM, deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded to the 800 block of Edison Lane in Upon arrival, deputies learned the suspects were affiliated with a Fillmore criminal street gang and had fled the area prior At about 6:14 PM, Fillmore detectives and Sheriff’s K9 Unit located four gang members involved in the incident in the An extensive search was conducted for the two outstanding suspects involving personnel from the Sheriff’s Air Unit, West At about 6:52 PM, deputies located one of the outstanding suspects hiding under a chicken coop. The suspect, a juvenile Despite coordinated efforts of ground and aerial assets, the fourth suspect was able to evade apprehension due to rugged Following the arrests, detectives located additional evidence linking the suspects to the assault on Edison Lane. A parole hold was placed on Alonzo, and he was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. One juvenile male was arrested This investigation is ongoing, and detectives are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the gang- The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: 03/10/2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO *** Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
A Santa Maria resident who is a convicted felon was arrested for multiple identity theft crimes, forgery, possession of On March 03, 2025, at approximately 3:00 P.M., patrol deputies assigned to the Fillmore Police Department were dispatched to A customer identified as Arvan Washington III, was attempting to open a bank account and lines of credit using suspicious During the investigation, Fillmore patrol deputies obtained additional evidence including several fraudulent documents, It is believed Washington may be implicated in additional unsolved crimes related to identity theft. The Ventura County The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind citizens to be aware of loose mail placed in unlocked If you see or suspect a mail thief at work, or if you believe your mail was stolen, call police immediately 9-1-1, then call https://ehome.uspis.gov/mailtheft/idtheft.aspx Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Jarrod Foote News Release Date: March 06, 2025 Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon Booking Photo Release: NO *** Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which 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). |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
![]() On Monday, March 10th, at 7:27 p.m., Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore Fire Department, and AMR paramedics responded to a two-vehicle accident on C Street and Meadowlark Drive. Minor injuries were reported, and no ambulance transports were made. Photo credit Angel Esquivel. Cause of the crash is under investigation. Enlarge Photo |
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
On 03/07/2025, (S) Jose Flores, an 18-year-old Simi Valley resident, was arrested for his involvement with multiple gang Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti During the months of October and November 2024, diligent members of the community reported multiple graffiti vandalisms at In December 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Jose Flores, who is a During the month of March 2025, a residential search warrant was obtained for Flores’ residence located in the 1000 block of On 03/07/2025, members of the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, and the Pre-Trial The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly Graffiti Removal The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote *** Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which 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). |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
See Item 9.H
CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALL-EGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF AGE-NDA 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.A MARCH PROCLAMATION TO HONOR/RECOGNIZE CESAR CHAVEZ DAY (3/31/25) 5.B PRESENTATION ON HOUSING TRUST FUND IN VENTURA COUNTY 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS 8. CONSENT CAL-ENDAR RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. IS TO BE APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE. 8.A CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 11, 2025 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MARCH 11, 2025.PDF 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.A CREEKSIDE TRACT 6053 CITY WELL #8 PROTECTION AGREEMENT SR CREEKSIDE CITY WELL PROTECTION AGREEMENT. FINAL.PDF 9.B CONSIDERA-TION OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR DP NO. 01-02 MOD#4 NOVA STORAGE ADDITION AT 455 A STREET SR NOVA SELF STORAGE ACCEPTANCE. FINAL.PDF That the City Council: 1. 9.C A REPORT TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR WELL NO.7 AND A REQUEST THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DETERMINE THAT SR TERMINATING THE EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO WELL NO.7. FINAL.PDF RECOMMENDATION That the City Council: 1. Receive a report 9.D APPOINTMENT OF PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS SR CJPIA DELEGATE -2025.PDF RECOMMENDATION City staff recommends that 9.E REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE 2025 THIRD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW TO BE PROVIDED BY PYRO SR CONTRACT FOR THE 2025 3RD OF JULY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS SHOW.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. 9.F CONSIDERATION OF ALLOWING VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB SR - CONSIDERATION FOR USING VOLUNTEERS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council 9.G CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF THE GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP AND ADOPTION OF GOALS AND CHANGE OF KEY RESULTS AREA TO CITY OF FILLMORE’S GAOLS SR.PDF No recommendation shown. 9.H CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (ZOA) NO. 24-02 AND ORDINANCE NO. 25-976 ALLOWING (1) BUT LIMITING (2) MEDICINAL CANNABIS DELIVERY, BOTH AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW AND ADOPTING AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL SR ORD 25-976 - SB1186 MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERY ORDINANCE.PDF RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council conduct a public 9.I CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH KIMLEY-HORN TO IMPLEMENT THE CITY’S HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS AND SR_CONTRACT AMEND KIMELY HORN - HE PROGRAMS.PDF RECOMMENDATION City Staff recommends that the City Council take the 9.J CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF COUNTY OF VENTURA SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM SERVICE CONTRACT VENDORS FOR USE BY CITY OF SR VENTURA COUNTY SENIOR NUTRITION CONTRACT.PDF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the utilization of five existing Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved vendors for the Older Americans Act Nutrition 10. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS 11. CITY MANAGER CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT 12. CLOSED SESSION 12.A CLOSED SESSION - MARCH 11, 2025 MARCH 11, 2025 - CLOSED SESSION.PDF 13. ADJOURNMENT MAYOR CHRISTINA VILLASEÑOR ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025, CITY |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 13th, 2025
![]() Above is the 2024 Crime Statistics for Fillmore. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Enlarge Photo ![]() Above is the 2024 Crime Statistics for Ventura County. Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Enlarge Photo Starting with the reporting of the 2024 Crime Statistics (https://s45643.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NIBRS- Historically, the VCSO Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) prepared a comparison of the previous three years of Uniform Crime Previously, under UCR, the crimes reported included: Homicide, Rape/Criminal Sexual Assault, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, NIBRS requires data to be reported on over 50 offenses. Under the NIBRS requirements, VCSO jurisdiction reported 12,175 NIBRS captures data in three crime categories: Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property, and Crimes Against Society. VCSO reported 2,388 Crimes Against Persons in 2024. Around 92% (2,192 victims) fell within the Assault category with many of VCSO reported 11 victims of Homicide during 2024. There are no outstanding suspects in any of the Homicides and four of the Historically, under UCR, VCSO did not report vehicular manslaughter offenses. There were no gang related Homicides for 2024. The NIBRS categories for Sex Offenses includes Rape, Sodomy, Sexual Assault with Object, and Fondling. For 2024, most of the The all-other reported crimes for the Crimes Against Persons category include Kidnapping/Abduction, Statutory Rape, and The Crimes Against Property category includes Robbery, Burglary, Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, Arson, Destruction of Property, The Crimes Against Society category includes Drug/Narcotic Violations, Drug Equipment Violations, Gambling, Pornography It should be noted that each geographical area in Ventura County is unique, and crime trends vary from city to city. The City of Fillmore Chief of Police– Captain Eduardo Malagon (805 477-7108) City of Camarillo Chief of Police – Commander Eric Tennessen (805 797-7102) City of Thousand Oaks Chief of Police– Commander Jeremy Paris (805 797-7105) City of Moorpark Chief of Police– Captain Darin Hendren (805 797-7137) City of Ojai Chief of Police – Captain Trina Newman (805 477-7039) Prepared by: Senerey De Los Santos News Release Date: March 7, 2025 |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 6th, 2025
![]() On Sunday, March 2nd, at 1:00 a.m., a Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to pull over a vehicle. The driver failed to yield, and the deputy advised dispatch that he continued driving. Following a brief chase, the car came to a complete stop in the 800 block of Fourth Street in a private driveway, where the deputies conducted a high-risk stop, and got the driver out of the vehicle and cleared it. The driver was the only individual in the vehicle; he was later questioned by deputies. The deputies attempted to conduct field sobriety tests, but the subject declined. He was arrested for 23152(a) and 2800.1 (a), taken to the hospital for a blood draw, and was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail Facility. Enlarge Photo |
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, March 6th, 2025
VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Claudia Portugal Cornejo (DOB 10/26/72), of Fillmore, was sentenced to twelve months in jail for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs and stealing more than $101,000 from the County of Ventura, the State of California, and individual victims. An additional twenty-eight months in jail was suspended as a term of her felony probation. Cornejo pleaded guilty on October 21, 2024, to five felonies: two counts of grand theft, presentation of a fraudulent claim, false personation, and conspiracy to commit a crime. “The defendant stole tens of thousands of dollars from taxpayers and hardworking individuals, lining her own pockets at the expense of those in real need,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “Through the hard work and investigative eye of the Sheriff’s Office and County CEO’s Office, her schemes were exposed and brought to the attention of our prosecutors.” Cornejo orchestrated a scheme to submit fraudulent applications, stealing $70,000 from the County of Ventura and $25,000 from the State of California. She also charged individuals upfront fees to submit applications on their behalf but never did, stealing an additional $6,800 from two victims. The fraud was discovered in October 2021, when the County of Ventura’s Executive Office identified suspicious documents in BAG Program applications, including forged business certificates and doctored tax forms. An investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the County CEO’s Office revealed Cornejo submitted multiple fraudulent applications, often charging victims to submit the paperwork, and taking a portion of approved grants. She carried out the scheme from her business, Fillmore General Services. The County also determined that outside of the frauds perpetrated by Cornejo, the fraud was not widespread. Senior Deputy District Attorney Howard Wise, a member of the Special Prosecutions Fraud and Technology Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case. “It is appalling that Ms. Cornejo took advantage of programs designed to help established businesses stay open during COVID,” Mr. Wise said. “However, I was deeply impressed with the earnestness which the County of Ventura investigated this matter, shut it down, and supported the prosecution.” In addition to the twelve-month jail sentence, Cornejo was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $92,659 to the County of Ventura for loss to the County and the costs associated with investigating the fraud. She was also ordered to pay $25,000 to the State of California and $6,800 to two individual victims. Those victims paid Cornejo to submit grants on their behalf but did not know Cornejo was engaged in fraud. Cornejo kept the money and did not submit the promised grant applications *** Case: 2022000241 Defendant Information: *** |
