Por Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
A Ventura County jury has convicted James Matthew Godsey, 46, of stealing more than half a million dollars from Channel Islands Aviation, where he worked for years as a bookkeeper.
After a three-week trial, jurors found him guilty of six felony counts of grand theft, determining that he exploited his position of trust to enrich himself through fraudulent payroll and reimbursement schemes.
Prosecutors said that between 2017 and 2023, Godsey repeatedly inserted unauthorized bonuses into payroll records and fabricated expense reimbursements, siphoning more than $527,000.
The theft remained hidden for years because company executives relied on him as the sole bookkeeper, granting him control over payroll without close oversight. The fraud only surfaced when new management, following the company’s sale, launched a comprehensive audit that uncovered irregularities.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Marc Leventhal, who prosecuted the case, stressed that the crime illustrates the risks of relying on trust without adequate supervision.
“Employers should protect themselves by conducting regular internal audits and maintaining effective supervision over those who handle payroll and company funds,” he said Godsey is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 21, 2025, and faces significant prison time in addition to restitution.
The suspect remains free on $10,000 bond. Prosecutors and fraud experts say the case serves as a warning to small and mid-sized businesses, which are especially vulnerable when one employee controls payroll and accounts.
Beyond financial loss, such schemes can damage morale, reputations and client trust.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said the verdict sends a clear message: “Individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable.”
VENTURA’S COURT JUDGE DIES
Ventura Superior Court Judge Ryan J. Wright, a longtime prosecutor and jurist who presided over some of the county’s most high-profile criminal cases, died Sept. 24 after a long illness. He was 53.
Wright was first elected to the bench in 2010 and sworn in the following year. Until his hospitalization in August, he was serving as the court’s Assistant Presiding Judge. Over his 13 years on the bench, he oversaw hundreds of jury trials, including many serious felony cases, and previously led the court’s Criminal Division as supervising judge.
Born and raised in Ventura, Wright graduated from Saint Bonaventure High School, earned a political science degree from the University of California, Irvine, in 1994, and a law degree from Pepperdine University in 1997.
He remained connected to Pepperdine throughout his judicial career, teaching as an adjunct professor and mentoring law students.
Before joining the bench, Wright spent a decade in the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, where he worked in the misdemeanor, felony, sexual assault, domestic violence and narcotics units.
He earned statewide and national recognition for his narcotics prosecutions, receiving honors from the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the California Narcotics Association. He was named Ventura County Prosecutor of the Year twice.
Court officials described Wright as a mentor to fellow judges and a driving force behind improvements in criminal case management and jury selection. “Judge Wright’s passing is a tremendous loss for the Court,” Ventura Superior Court said in a statement. “He leaves, however, an enduring legacy of excellence to which the judicial officers and staff of the Court always shall aspire.”
Services for Wright have not yet been announced.
SON ARRESTED FOR MURDER
A quiet Goleta neighborhood was shaken Sunday night after sheriff’s deputies discovered a 72-year-old woman dead inside her home and arrested her son on suspicion of homicide.
The incident occurred Sept. 28 at around 7:33 p.m. in the 5500 block of Armitos Avenue. Deputies had been dispatched for a welfare check on the victim, identified as Lynn Areno.
When they entered the residence, they found her deceased.
Her son, 32-year-old Christopher Vanvalck, was detained at the scene and later booked into the Main Jail in Santa Barbara County. He is being held on $2 million bail.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said they do not believe there are any outstanding suspects.
The cause and manner of Areno’s death remain under investigation pending forensic results. Next of kin have been notified.
Neighbors expressed shock after learning of the arrest. “This is such a quiet street. You never expect something like this to happen right next door,” said one resident who asked not to be identified.
The Sheriff’s Office said detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Authorities urged the community to follow official updates as the investigation moves forward.
VOTERS REGISTRATION
Voter information guides are arriving in mailboxes across Santa Barbara County this week as election officials prepare for California’s statewide special redistricting election on Nov. 4.
Each registered voter will receive two guides: one from the State of California and another from the County of Santa Barbara.
The state guide outlines ballot measures, including impartial analyses, cost estimates, and arguments for and against.
The county officials said the guide includes a sample ballot, voting instructions, and details on polling locations and hours.
Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Joe Holland urged residents to use the arrival of the guides as a reminder to check their voter registration status.
“Voting should be simple, but with all the conflicting information out there, it can sometimes be confusing. Registering to vote or verifying that your voter registration is valid helps ensure a smooth voting experience,” Holland said.
To cast a ballot, voters must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old on election day. Registration status can be verified online at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov or sbcvote.com.
Eligible residents can register or update their registration at registertovote.ca.gov or by picking up applications at local post offices.
For more information, voters can visit sbcvote.com or call the SBCEB.
GUN SEIZED FROM STUDENT IN SM
A student at Righetti High School in Santa Maria was arrested Monday after a loaded handgun was found in his backpack during a confrontation with a school resource deputy, authorities said.
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, when a staff member reported to on-campus School Resource Deputy Reynoso that a male student might be smoking marijuana in a bathroom.
When confronted, the student refused orders to stop and tried to walk away, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (SBCSO), informed.
A struggle followed, during which Deputy Reynoso suffered minor injuries, including a cut on his finger and an elbow abrasion.
The student was taken into custody, and deputies later found multiple marijuana vape pens and a loaded .22-caliber revolver hidden in his backpack.
The student was transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked into Santa Maria Juvenile Hall.
He faces charges including possession of a firearm on school grounds, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana on campus while underage.
Sheriff’s officials said the quick action by Righetti administrators and Deputy Reynoso prevented what could have been a dangerous situation.
