Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Suspect: Mata, Janelle D.O.B. 8-27-1984
Location: 2546 Balboa St. El Rio
Date & Time: May 25, 2008.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit / Major Crimes

On Sunday, May 25th, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit concluded a one month long investigation of a shooting in the 2500 block of Balboa Street, in El Rio, with the arrest of Janelle Mata for attempted murder and participation in a criminal street gang.

On April 20, 2008, patrol deputies responded to a dispatched call of a drive-by shooting on Balboa St. When deputies arrived, they found two bullet holes in the victim’s residence. Witnesses described a female suspect to the deputies and a broadcast was initiated. A short time later, other deputies patrolling the area stopped a car at the intersection of Alvarado and Orange Drive (El Rio). The car was occupied by Janelle Mata, two adult females, a 2 year old and a 2-month-old infant. A subsequent search of the car revealed a sawed off shotgun hidden in a blanket as well as three handguns and ammunition concealed in other clothing carriers. A records check revealed one of the handguns was reported stolen. Deputies arrested Janelle Mata for shooting at an inhabited dwelling, possession of a stolen handgun, and a variety of other weapons charges. The driver of the car, Naomi Mata, was arrested for a variety of weapons charges. Both were booked into the Ventura County Jail and posted bail.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit and Major Crimes investigators continued to investigate the incident and found additional evidence linking Janelle Mata to the shooting. Gang investigators believe that Mata intentionally fired a gun at a female victim who was standing in front of her residence in the 2500 block of Balboa St.

Mata, who is a documented El Rio gang member, was booked into the Ventura County Jail and is being held on $500,000 bail.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit was created in February 2007, and is tasked with reducing gang related crime in Ventura County. The unit assists detectives in the investigation of all crimes involving gang members, actively patrols the community and routinely apprehends gang members and other criminals. Sheriff’s Gang Unit Deputies are street crime experts and are often called upon to assist in the prosecution of gang members in trial involving gang enhancement allegations.

As part of the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts in reducing gang violence and making communities safer, the unit has instituted the GANG TIP HOTLINE. Residents can call “1-888-58GANGS” and anonymously report criminal gang activity in their neighborhoods. Residents are reminded to call “911” in emergencies or (805) 654-9511 for non-emergencies.