February 7, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in October 2025, detectives from the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) initiated an investigation into Kendra Ann Sponsler. During the investigation, detectives learned Sponsler was selling controlled substances to community members experiencing homelessness and vulnerable population within the City of Thousand Oaks.
The distribution of narcotics within unhoused and vulnerable communities presents significant public safety and public health concerns. The availability of illegal drugs in these environments contributes to increased criminal activity, overdoses, and medical emergencies, and negatively impacts overall community safety. Narcotics trafficking in these areas also interferes with enforcement efforts and service provider initiatives aimed at reducing crime and maintaining order within the community.
On February 5, 2026, DEU detectives contacted and arrested Sponsler. During the arrest, detectives recovered over four ounces of methamphetamine, along with narcotics-related sales indicia, confirming the intent to sell.
Kendra Ann Sponsler was arrested for possession of controlled substances for sale, possession of drug paraphilia, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. She was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility and remains in custody with bail set at $500,000.
Narcotics dealers pose a danger to the community by distributing highly addictive and dangerous substances. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to arresting individuals who sell narcotics, seizing illegal drugs before they reach the streets, and protecting the community from those who exploit vulnerable populations.
The Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit consists of eight detectives dedicated to protecting East County communities through proactive investigations of illegal activity. Two of these detectives are subject matter experts in engaging, assisting, and addressing issues related to the vulnerable population. If you have any information about criminal activity in the East County areas within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, please contact Detective Jonathan San Jose at 805-371-8388.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their ongoing support and diligence in providing information to help solve crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.
Join us in the fight against crime by following us on “X” @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
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Nature of Incident: |
Narcotics Trafficking to Unhoused Population Leads to Arrest |
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Report Number: |
26-16424 |
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Location(s): |
Thousand Oaks |
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Date & Time: |
February 5, 2026 |
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Unit(s) Responsible: |
Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) |
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(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
Age |
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(S) Kendra Ann Sponsler |
Thousand Oaks |
50 |
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to 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 & photo: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
