Woman, Three Men Arrested in Connection With Two Hate Crimes in Ventura County
Woman, Three Men Arrested in Connection With Two Hate Crimes in Ventura County
The four suspects, all from Ventura, each have been booked on felony assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, and violation of civil rights by force or fear, Harris said.
Braschler was released on $20,000 bail, Harris said. Darrough, Smets and Martin remained jailed late Thursday on $20,000, $40,000, and $45,000 respectively.
The men are scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. Friday. Braschler’s court date is scheduled for Dec. 19.
An investigation into the attacks led detectives to known white supremacist and convicted felon, Ryan Vanausdell, 37, of Oak View.
“One of the suspects was a frequest visitor, a friend, and stayed at Vanausdell’s house,” Harris said. “During the investigation is when Vanausdell’s name came up.”
That tip sparked an investigation that led detectives to Vanausdell’s Oak View home, where a search warrant turned up two assault weapons, two rifles, two shotguns, one handgun, and high-capacity ammunition magazines, Harris said.
Detectives initially thought Vanausdell may have some knowledge about the attacks, but it was determined that he was not involved, Harris said.
Still, Vanausdell (pictured at right) was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of firearms by a felon and possession of bullets containing an explosive agent, Harris said. Vanausdell is out on $100,000 bail.