By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
A Moorpark father faces multiple felony charges after his 10-year-old son allegedly brought live ammunition to a local school, prosecutors announced.
Ricardo Fausto Nunez, 40, was arraigned June 10 in Ventura County Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty to 11 felony counts—two for possession of assault weapons and nine for possession of large-capacity magazines—as well as one misdemeanor count of child endangerment.
The criminal complaint also includes a special allegation that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
According to District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, the case began on May 27 at Campus Canyon College Preparatory Academy in Moorpark, where a school resource officer reported that a student brought live ammunition to campus. The rounds were reportedly passed around among students before being confiscated by school staff.
The child told officials he found the ammunition at home and indicated that more weapons and bullets were present at the residence.
Sheriff’s detectives responded to the family’s home and were given permission to enter. During their search, investigators discovered two AR-15-style rifles without serial numbers, nine high-capacity magazines, and a large cache of ammunition, including 11 rounds of 9mm, 93 rounds of .223, and 120 rounds of 5.56 caliber. Authorities said none of the weapons or ammunition were safely stored.
“This case is a stark reminder of the importance of safely storing all firearms and ammunition, especially when children are in the home,” Nasarenko said. “Gun owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their weapons are secured and inaccessible to minors. Failing to do so puts everyone at risk, particularly our children.”
Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., according to public health data. California law mandates that all firearms be safely stored to prevent unauthorized access and reduce accidental shootings and suicides.
Safety measures include the use of cable locks, trigger guards, lockboxes, and gun safes. Free cable locks are available at many police departments and Ventura County libraries. Parents are also encouraged to teach children to stop, not touch, leave the area, and tell an adult if they encounter a firearm.
Nunez is currently out on $20,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court for an early disposition conference on July 22 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 37.
