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DA, sheriff warn of arrests, prosecutions for looting, arson and price gouging amid fires
Summary
Los Angeles County officials announced arrests and criminal charges tied to arson and looting, and warned of enforcement and penalties for price gouging and scams targeting evacuees and donors.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and law enforcement officials warned that people who exploit the wildfire emergency through looting, arson or price gouging will face significant criminal and civil penalties.
“Justice will be swift. Justice will be significant,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, announcing earlier filings that charged 10 individuals — nine for looting and one for arson — and additional arson cases. Hochman said potential sentences range from multi-year prison terms up to life in prison for the most serious charges.
Sheriff Robert Luna said arrests in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s jurisdiction related to the fires totaled 44 (36 in the Eaton incident area and eight in the Palisades incident). Luna said the arrest charges included burglary, curfew and trespassing violations, possession of narcotics and firearms, and impersonation of a firefighter in one Palisades arrest.
“We stand at about 14, for burglary, within those jurisdiction,” Luna said when describing the Eaton-area arrests.
Jim McDonnell, chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, described two arrests made outside fire zones on Jan. 14: one suspect detained by a citizen near Glen Oaks and Van Nuys Boulevard admitted to starting a fire and was booked for arson; another suspect was booked after admitting to setting multiple small fires in the area of Santa Monica and Vermont.
Officials also warned about scams and price gouging targeting evacuees and donors. Hochman said law enforcement and prosecutors are investigating reports of price gouging and scam charities and urged people to verify organizations before donating. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and other officials said the county’s emergency declaration prohibits raising prices more than 10% for rent, goods or services in affected areas and that both criminal and civil penalties may apply.
“If you’re one of these people who have engaged in price gouging, not only do you need to stop it immediately, I would strongly recommend that you go back and refund the amount that you have overcharged people,” Hochman said. He added that restitution or remedial action would be considered in charging decisions.
Officials urged the public to report suspected looting, arson, price gouging and fraud to law enforcement or to state and county consumer-protection hotlines. The county also cautioned residents not to donate cash or cryptocurrency and to use established organizations when contributing to recovery efforts.
