Alvarez Won’t Face Charge in Jail Assault

Ventura County prosecutors have decided not to file assault charges against murder defendant David Alvarez, who was arrested Sept. 4 for allegedly punching another inmate at the County Jail.

Authorities say Alvarez, 23, of Ojai, attacked a 35-year-old inmate as the man was serving meals at the county’s main jail in Ventura. Alvarez was being moved out of his cell at the time.

Deputies at the jail separated Alvarez from the other inmate, authorities said, and Alvarez was arrested on suspicion of battery.

After reviewing the case, however, prosecutors decided not to file criminal charges against Alvarez because the altercation was brief and the other inmate was not hurt.

Chief Assistant Dist. Atty. Greg Totten also said that a battery conviction would have no impact upon the jail time Alvarez would serve if convicted of murder.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department initially referred the assault case to the state attorney general’s office for review. The state office is handling the pending murder case at the request of Ventura County Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury, who is a close friend of Alvarez’s parents.

But state prosecutors referred the battery case back to Ventura County, saying there was no conflict of interest. Totten recently sent a letter to state prosecutors announcing the decision not to file assault charges “in case you disagree with our decision.”

Alvarez remains at County Jail on charges of murder and attempted rape in the December killing of 14-year-old Oak View resident Kali Manley. He has pleaded not guilty, and a trial is set for January.