By Redaccion
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District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that two juveniles who robbed a woman at gunpoint have been found responsible for their crimes.
Both were charged with second-degree armed robbery. One of the juveniles was also charged with the special allegation that he personally used a firearm while threatening the victim. A Contest was held for juvenile defendant 1 on June 6, 2024. Judge Inumerable sustained the petition as to the armed robbery charge and found true the special allegation. Juvenile defendant 2 entered an admission to his armed robbery charge on May 15, 2024.
On April 23, 2024, the adult victim was robbed at gunpoint while walking near Ventura State Beach and Harbor Boulevard, in Ventura. The juveniles approached the victim on their electric bikes with their faces covered and pointed a gun at her, demanding her purse. The victim complied with their demands and the juveniles fled on their bikes.
A short time later, an officer with the Ventura Police Department saw two subjects matching the suspects’ descriptions. They were detained and found to be in possession of a loaded ghost gun (containing no serial numbers), and some of the victim’s stolen property.
Deputy District Attorney Heather Sweatman, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Juvenile Unit, prosecuted the cases.
“The victim in this case showed incredible bravery during the robbery and while testifying in court, ”Ms. Sweatman said. “The judge’s ruling demonstrates that individuals who victimize our community will be held accountable, regardless of their age.”
Disposition hearings are scheduled for July 18, 2024, and July 23, 2024. Both juveniles remain detained at the Juvenile Facilities, in Oxnard.
