District attorney Erik Nasarenko announced in July that 34-year-old Thomas Charles Ballas of Westlake Village was sentenced on July 21, 2023, to one year in Ventura County Jail and is required to register as a sex offender. Ballas, a former theater technical specialist at Westlake High School, worked closely with the choir program and previously pled guilty to two felony counts of sending harmful matter to a minor. He also admitted to special allegations of taking advantage of a position of trust and of the victim being particularly vulnerable.
In December 2022, a student came forward to report that Ballas was sending her explicit photos of himself through the social media app Snapchat. In screenshots of the conversation, Ballas and the victim discuss the fact that the victim is underage.
Further investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office revealed a possible second victim. Detectives contacted the second victim, who confirmed that she, too, had received explicit photos of Ballas when she was in high school.
Deputy District Attorney Michael Kern, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
“The defendant used his position of trust and authority to take advantage of young female students,” Kern said in a statement. “By ingratiating himself to them, he created a scenario in which he could engage in inappropriate sexual conversations and behaviors. The conduct of this former school employee should serve as a sobering reminder to parents about their children’s internet safety. I hope that this case will create opportunities for parents to speak openly to their children about the perils and pitfalls of social media.”
Ballas was ordered to report to Ventura County Jail on August 7, 2023.
One year is not enough time. Period!