By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
Two juveniles have admitted to felony charges connected to a bomb and shooting threat that led to a lockdown at Ventura High School on May 2, 2025, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced.
On June 4, one of the minors appeared before Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kevin DeNoce at the Juvenile Justice Center and admitted to three felony counts: malicious informing of a false bomb threat, conspiracy to commit that crime, and criminal threats. The juvenile was sentenced to wardship under Welfare and Institutions Code section 602, the most serious form of juvenile probation.
In a separate hearing held on May 21, the second minor admitted to two felony charges: malicious informing of a false bomb and conspiracy to commit the same. Because that youth resides in Santa Barbara County, the case was transferred to the Santa Maria Juvenile Courthouse for sentencing. An interim hearing is set for June 10, followed by final sentencing on June 17.
The charges stem from a threatening phone call received by Ventura High School staff on May 2, alleging that a person was on campus with a bomb and intended to carry out a shooting. The school was immediately placed on lockdown, and law enforcement responded swiftly to secure the area and begin an investigation.
“The juveniles who committed the false bomb threat and school shooting threat have been held accountable for their criminal conduct,” said Maureen Byrne, Juvenile Unit Supervisor for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
“These threats placed the entire Ventura High School campus on lockdown and caused fear among students, teachers, and the surrounding community. Thanks to the prompt response by school staff and the Ventura Police Department, the responsible parties were quickly identified and campus safety was restored.”
