VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Judge Anthony Sabo sentenced Mark Semlinger (DOB 08/15/76) of Simi Valley to 13 years 8 months in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In December 2018, a jury convicted Semlinger of assault with a deadly weapon and spousal battery based upon an incident occurring on May 22, 2016. After the jury returned its verdict, the court found that Semlinger had a prior conviction for a serious felony.
On May 22, 2016, Semlinger and his girlfriend got into an argument that was caught on surveillance video. When an acquaintance of the two came to the woman’s aid, Semlinger pulled out a knife and assaulted him.
Semlinger also pled guilty to three other felony charges that he committed while he was out on bail. On October 3, 2017, Semlinger was seen driving a stolen motorcycle. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, he fled from the officers at speeds exceeding 100 mph. He eventually ditched the motorcycle and fled on foot, but was caught nearby. Semlinger pled guilty to unlawful taking or driving a vehicle and evading an officer with willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
On May 6, 2018, a Simi Valley Police Officer saw Semlinger conduct a drug sale from his vehicle. A search of his vehicle uncovered cash, several baggies of heroin, a digital scale, and several text messages related to drug sales on his cell phone. Semlinger pled guilty to possession of heroin for sale.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.
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