May 14, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in January 2023, all Ventura County law enforcement agencies and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office joined together and created the Ventura County Fentanyl Overdose and Crimes Units (VC FOCUS). This task force has enabled the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s municipal police departments to mutually support each other with personnel and resources to investigate the sources of fentanyl supply to Ventura County, as well as the dealers responsible for selling this deadly product within our community. This partnership allowed VC FOCUS to conduct investigations on recent fatal and non-fatal overdoses that occurred in the city of Simi Valley which have resulted in several arrests.

On February 5, 2023, Simi Valley Police Department Officers responded to the 3000 block of School Street, where the victim was overdosing on suspected fentanyl.  The residents at the location administered Narcan prior to police and EMS arrival and saved the victim’s life. On April 6, 2023, VC FOCUS detectives served a search warrant in the 1600 block of Darrah Avenue in Simi Valley and arrested Edward Staab at his residence for furnishing fentanyl to the victim. Staab was booked into the Ventura County Jail for 11352(a) H&S- Sales of Controlled Substance. Staab is currently out of custody pending further investigation into this case.

On March 7, 2023, Simi Valley Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the 1400 block of Crater Street, where the victim was found unresponsive by family members.  Officers administered Narcan and were assisted with further life saving measures by the Ventura County Fire Department which revived the victim. On March 23, 2023, VC FOCUS detectives served a search warrant in the 15000 block of Arroyo Lane in Moorpark. Robert Wood was arrested at the location for his sale of narcotics to the victim and booked into the Ventura County Jail for 11352(a) H&S- Sales of a Controlled Substance. Wood is currently out of custody after posting $50,000 bail. His next court date is June 2, 2023, at 1:30pm.

On March 21, 2023, Simi Valley Police Department Officers responded to the 2100 block of Burrell Avenue where the victim was found unresponsive by family members.  Upon arrival, officers observed obvious signs of death and responding paramedics pronounced the victim deceased. On May 10, 2023, VC FOCUS detectives obtained a search warrant and conducted surveillance on Jason Cotsis who was suspected of supplying fentanyl to the victim. He was arrested for his involvement in the fatal overdose and found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. Cotsis was booked into the Ventura County Jail for 11352(a) H&S- Sales of a Controlled Substance. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on May 25, 2023, at 8:15 am.

The Ventura County Fentanyl Crimes and Overdose Units (VC FOCUS) is a task force made up of all Ventura County local law enforcement departments along with state and Federal law enforcement agencies. The primary mission of this task force is to combat fentanyl related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting the supply chain of individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the sales of these drugs into Ventura County. In addition, the task force works to identify current trends of abuse among the younger population and educate the community at large on the lethal danger of this epidemic.

VC FOCUS has partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health as an active member of the County Opioid Abuse Suppression Taskforce (COAST) in a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org.

The public may contact investigators from VC FOCUS at (805) 383-8700 or VCFOCUS@ventura.org with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics.               

Nature of Incident: Task Force Narcotics Arrests Related to Multiple Overdoses

Report Number: 2023007149 / 2023008426 / 23011573

Location: City of Simi Valley

Date & Time: May 10, 2023 / 1945 Hours

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office