Multiple suspects involved in narcotic and unlawful firearms activity arrested
August 5, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that during the month of May 2026, 
Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a burglary in the 2900 Block of Teresa Drive and learned Frank Holzer, a Thousand Oaks resident, had stolen firearms from (S)-Tasha Dunning. TOPD patrol deputies located Holzer and recovered an assault weapon, a privately made firearm he stole from Dunning along with other weapons. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gun Violence Reduction Program (GVRP) assumed the investigation into the illegal firearms activity.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Dunning’s residence, and on 5/28/2026, detectives from GVRP and the Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit (SCU) executed the search warrant. Detectives recovered 14 firearms, several thousand rounds of ammunition, approximately 50 high-capacity magazines and a quantity of ecstasy (MDMA). Many of the firearms were unregistered, and one was an assault weapon. Dunning was arrested for several firearms and narcotics violations. Dunning’s case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Officer for filing considerations.
During the search at Dunning’s residence, detectives located an unregistered Glock, ammunition, cocaine, and high-capacity magazines in a tenant’s room. Through evidence located at the scene, detectives identified the suspect as (S)-Kastan Jones. On 6/12/2026, Jones was located and arrested for several firearms and narcotics violations. The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office who filed weapons and narcotic charges along with driving with a suspended license.
Detectives continued the investigation and identified (S)-Randall Cota of Newbury Park as a close associate of Jones. The investigation revealed Cota to be a narcotic user and involved in unlawful firearm activity, leading detectives to obtain a search warrant for his residence. On 7/15/2026, GVRP and Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Units (DEU) executed the search warrant at his residence, locating 9 firearms, high-capacity magazines, and several thousand rounds of ammunition. Of the firearms seized, one met the statutory requirements of an assault weapon, and two pistols were unregistered. Cota was booked at the East Valley Jail for possession of an assault weapon, unlawful transfer of a firearm, possession of a large capacity magazine and being an addict in possession of a firearm. The case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Gun Violence Reduction Program is a collaborative effort aimed at reducing gun violence in Ventura County though the enforcement of existing state firearms laws and the seizure of illegally possessed weapons. In partnership with state, federal, and local agencies, the program targets unlawful possession and manufacturing of firearms within Ventura County. A key focus includes facilitating the safe surrender of and/or seizing firearms and ammunition from individuals prohibited from owning or possessing them, with actions guided by entries in the State’s Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS). The VCSO GVRP unit is made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, The California Department of Justice and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Together these agencies work to enhance public safety and prevent gun-related crimes in the community.
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Nature of Incident: |
Multiple suspects involved in narcotic and unlawful firearms activity arrested |
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Report Number: |
26-67818, 26-68067, 26-90933 |
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Location: |
2900 Block of Teresa Drive & 3000 Block of Lily Court, Newbury Park, CA |
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Date & Time: |
May 2026 through July 2026 |
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Unit(s) Responsible: |
VCSO Gun Violence Reduction Program (GVRP), Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU), Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit (SCU), Thousand Oaks Police Department – Patrol Services |
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(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
Age |
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(S) – Tasha Dunning |
Newbury Park |
49 |
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which 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 & photos: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
