Judge advances bribery case tied to Thousand Oaks building permit

Residents and contractors navigating the local housing market know that securing a building permit in Newbury Park and the broader Conejo Valley is a rigorous process. Recent developments in an ongoing public corruption case, however, highlight the potential vulnerabilities within the system. A Ventura County Superior Court judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence to advance a bribery case tied to a City of Thousand Oaks building permit, confirming that the two men accused of participating in the alleged scheme will face a jury trial.

The decision underscores the ongoing efforts by local authorities to maintain integrity in municipal development. According to the Thousand Oaks Acorn (Newbury Park), Judge Julia Snyder made the determination last week following a preliminary hearing. During this proceeding, prosecutors presented evidence to establish probable cause, resulting in an order that Ray Villanueva, 59, of Moorpark, and Jimmy Coronado, 44, of Oxnard, must stand trial on felony bribery charges filed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

The Allegations and City Response

The charges against the duo stem from a 2024 single-family home construction project within the city. According to a July 27 statement from the District Attorney’s Office, the city initially issued a building permit for the project to a state-licensed contractor. The contractor subsequently hired Coronado to assist with the work.

Construction on the site was eventually halted after the building plans were revised, requiring renewed city approval before work could legally resume. Prosecutors allege that Coronado saw an opportunity in the delay, soliciting a bribe from the contractor. He reportedly told the contractor he had an inside contact within the city’s Community Development Department who could expedite the approval process. Rather than paying the bribe, the contractor declined the offer and immediately reported the solicitation to the District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators from the DA’s Public Integrity Unit allege that Coronado conspired with Villanueva—who was employed by the City of Thousand Oaks at the time—between October and December 2024. Prosecutors specifically allege that Villanueva approved a final building inspection in anticipation of receiving a bribe, doing so even though the construction project was left unfinished.

The city responded swiftly upon learning of the criminal investigation. City spokesperson Alexandra South stated that the moment the City of Thousand Oaks was notified of the DA's probe in December 2024, Villanueva was placed on paid administrative leave. He is no longer employed by the city.

To ensure no other local projects were compromised, the city’s building official immediately audited all of Villanueva’s past cases. The review found no other discrepancies. In an official statement, the city reaffirmed its "zero tolerance for fraud, waste, and abuse," emphasizing its unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and full cooperation with law enforcement.

Inside the Preliminary Hearing

A preliminary hearing serves as a critical filter in the judicial system, allowing a judge to determine whether enough evidence exists for a case to proceed to trial. During the recent hearing, which led to Judge Snyder’s ruling, the prosecution built its foundation by calling upon key city staff. According to court records reported by the Thousand Oaks Acorn, a Thousand Oaks building inspector, a community development technician, and a plan check supervisor all testified regarding the permit approval process and the chain of events that led to the arrests.

The involvement of these municipal employees highlights the strict regulatory framework governing local construction. The testimony provided the court with a detailed look at how permits are supposed to be issued and tracked, and how the alleged scheme sought to subvert those regulations.

Broader Implications for Newbury Park

For Newbury Park residents, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency in local development. Single-family home construction is a visible and heavily regulated part of community growth. When standard procedures are bypassed for personal benefit, it threatens the structural safety and zoning integrity of local neighborhoods.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the public's trust in municipal operations relies on fair, law-based procedures. “The public deserves confidence that building permits are issued based on the law, not personal favors or financial incentives,” Nasarenko said. “When local government authority is allegedly used to seek personal benefit, our institutions are undermined and public officials must be held accountable.”

Next Steps in the Judicial Process

Following their arrests on September 10, 2025, both Villanueva and Coronado pleaded not guilty to the charges later that month. Court records indicate they remain free on $20,000 bail while awaiting their next court appearance.

Villanueva and Coronado are now scheduled for a second arraignment on August 13. This procedural step typically follows a successful preliminary hearing, where defendants enter a formal plea before the case moves into the trial phase. If ultimately found guilty of the felony charges, both men will face the possibility of state prison sentences.

As the case transitions toward trial, Newbury Park residents and local contractors will be watching closely. The outcome of this case will not only determine the fates of the accused but also signals a firm stance by Ventura County authorities on the importance of maintaining clean, accountable local governance across the 805 region.