Convicted Ventura County Drug Dealer Told He Could Face Murder Charge If He Continues To Do It And Somebody Dies

Friday June 09, 2023

     The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has started telling convicted drug dealers that they could face a murder charge if they continue to deal drugs and somebody dies from them.

     This week, 31-year-old Alex Alvarado of Simi Valley was sentenced to 2 years in the Ventura County Jail to begin on July 14th and three years of mandatory supervision after earlier pleading guilty to selling fentanyl. 

     He admitted special allegations that he had served a prior prison term and was on parole for prior crimes when the latest crime was committed.

     But what made his sentencing hearing unique was that Alvarado was also given what is called "The Dangerous Drug Advisement".

     It means that if he continues to sell illegal drugs and someone dies from their use, he could face a charge of Second Degree Murder.

     This is similar to what happens when people who have been convicted of DUI in the past are charged with murder if they drive under the influence again and they kill someone in a traffic collision.

     Prosecutors say we can expect to see the dangerous drug advisement used in more cases involving drug dealers as the authorities try to stop the epidemic of drug overdose deaths from substances like fentanyl.

     In 2022 the Ventura County Medical Examiners Office reported 278 overdose deaths with fentanyl found in the system of 181 of those victims.

     Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko says he strongly supports a state constitutional amendment, Senate Bill 44 or Alexandra's Bill, that has been introduced in the state legislature by Republicans that would require all California courts to read the Dangerous Drug Advisement to convicted fentanyl dealers.

     That legislation needs to pass both the State Senate and Assembly and then be approved by voters in the next election, but the Democrat controlled Senate Public Safety Committee killed the bill in April.

     Republicans say they will continue to reintroduce the bill.