## California Man Convicted of Manslaughter in Teen Deaths Faces Federal Charges After Early Release Controversy
A recent case involving the early release of a man convicted of manslaughter in the deaths of two young adults has ignited controversy in Orange County, California. District Attorney Todd Spitzer strongly refuted claims of a “plea deal” contributing to the individual’s shortened sentence and subsequent release.
According to Spitzer, the situation stems from policies that he believes fail to adequately hold criminals accountable. In a statement released Wednesday, he asserted: “A convicted felon who was twice previously deported is being released after serving just a fraction of his sentence for killing two 19-year-olds because California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature refuse to hold criminals accountable.”
The case centers around Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano, who in November 2021 was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs while speeding at nearly 100 mph on the 405 freeway. His vehicle collided with a car carrying Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin, both 19 years old, resulting in their deaths.
In spring 2022, Ortega-Anguiano was convicted of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He initially received a 10-year sentence, but families of the victims were informed Easter Sunday that he would be released early on July 19th – over six years before his full sentence was served.
The impending release sparked public outcry and scrutiny. Following reporting by Fox News, Governor Newsom’s office indicated a shift in policy, stating they would cooperate with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer and transfer Ortega-Anguiano into federal custody. The Department of Justice subsequently announced the filing of federal charges against him.
“After being deported in 2013, this individual unlawfully re-entered the US & committed heinous crimes,”
a statement from the governor’s press account read Wednesday afternoon.
Newsom’s office initially suggested that Orange County District Attorney’s office held responsibility for decisions regarding charges. They claimed that enhancements and other charges were dropped by the local district attorney, although they conceded that the state’s credit system—allowing inmates to earn time off through participation in rehabilitative programs—contributed to the earlier release date.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) defended its practices, stating: “Incarcerated persons may earn credits for participating in rehabilitative programming, which may move their parole dates to an earlier date.” They declined to provide specifics on release dates or locations prior to the individual’s departure.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized a commitment to enforcing immigration laws and pursuing federal prosecution. Speaking on “America’s Newsroom” Thursday morning, he declared: “This is what happens when you have an open border policy… But those days are over. Under this administration, our borders are closed.”
Essayli affirmed his intention to prosecute Ortega-Anguiano vigorously. “He’s not going to get free. He’s not going to be deported. He’s coming to my jurisdiction, and we’re gonna prosecute him. And once he’s convicted, he’s going to spend many years in federal prison, and then he’ll be deported again.”
Key Points:
- Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano was convicted of manslaughter after a fatal crash that killed two 19-year-old individuals.
- He faced an early release from state prison, sparking controversy and accusations of lenient sentencing policies.
- Federal authorities have intervened, filing charges and taking custody of Ortega-Anguiano to ensure prosecution and potential deportation.
- District Attorney Spitzer criticized the state’s system for allowing such early releases and emphasized accountability for criminals.
