Vidal Fregoso (DOBÂ 11/04/69), of Camarillo, was sentenced to 30 days confinement in the Ventura County jail, 400 hours of community service, 36 months of formal probation, and a $5,000 fine.
On August 31, 2020, a jury found Fregoso guilty of committing a hate crime against Luther Swayne, a 72-year-old African American. The jury also found Fregoso guilty of additional charges of committing an attempted vandalism and attempted theft.Â
On September 25, 2019, Vidal Fregoso approached Mr. Swayne while on an overnight offshore fishing charter originating in Ventura County. Fregoso used racial slurs and threatened to physically harm Mr. Swayne. A witness observed Fregoso attempt to throw Mr. Swayne’s fishing pole overboard. The boat’s crew intervened and separated the parties until the boat returned to the dock. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and ultimately arrested Fregoso.  Â
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.
Follow the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice
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