L.A. District Attorney Blasts Wildfire-Related Crime Suspects, Offers Victims Advice

Warning to Crime Suspects

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman did not hold back when speaking on individuals looking to take advantage of or exploit victims of the recent wildfires that have devastated entire communities.

Hochman, who was sworn in last month after beating out incumbent George Gascón by a wide margin, first acknowledged the efforts of fire crews, law enforcement, and first responders throughout the entire multi-front firefight.

“[Their] work has been nothing short of heroic,” he said. “Over 200,000 people who’ve had to evacuate and cooperated, it’s very impressive.”

That was about as lighthearted as Hochman got, as he quickly turned his attention to wildfire-related crime suspects and victims.

“There are people out there who have decided that they are going to take advantage of this tragedy and that they’re going to exploit this crisis for their own personal benefit,” the DA stated. “We have sent this warning, and I’ll say it again: The question is not if, but when you are arrested. You will then be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.”

Looting, Arson

The DA elaborated on his office’s charging of 10 different suspects that he announced on Monday, nine of whom are accused of looting (in relation to both the Palisades and Eaton fires) and the 10th of arson.

The shortest sentence any one of those suspects is facing is a six-year prison term, Hochman said. At least one other is facing nine years, while others could serve more than two decades in prison, and the possibility of a life sentence is not out of the question either.

“We have people looking at 22 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison,” he said. “These are very significant punishments; justice will be swift, and justice will be significant if you want to take advantage of this tragedy.”

Price Gouging

Those aren’t the only crimes on the DA’s mind, however, as his office is now looking into additional looting incidents as well as price gouging.

“The price gouging is particularly despicable, because these are people who are looking at this situation and asking how [they can] make the most amount of money from people desperately seeking housing, supplies, and services because they’ve lost everything,” Hochman remarked.

“Here again is my warning: If you’re one of those people who has engaged in price gouging, not only do you need to stop it immediately, I would strongly recommend that you go back and fix it…go back and refund the amount you have overcharged people,” he continued. “We will certainly take that into consideration in deciding whether or not to charge you. So, if you want to abide by the law, you could benefit from it right this second.”

Financial Scams

The DA’s office is also alerting residents of scams involving fake donation organizations and fraudulent charities that target individuals looking to donate to wildfire victims.

“My strong message to [residents] is, if this happens, please check the organization that you are donating your money to beforehand,” Hochman said. “Do not donate cash, do not even donate Bitcoin, because it’s very hard to track.”

The same goes for insurance scams.

“Be very careful, because there are scammers out there who are going to try and make you promises that they can give you certain benefits from insurance that are completely false,” DA Hochman continued. “Make sure you check out any insurance claims…the federal and state governments are going to be offering people in need significant dollars to [help them recover]; however, these will be ripped off. I will guarantee you there are people who are looking at this to rip [victims] off.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is taking a strong stance against wildfire-related crime suspects and is offering advice to victims of the recent wildfires.

FAQs

What is the DA warning crime suspects?
The DA is warning crime suspects that they will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the full extent of the law if they are caught taking advantage of or exploiting victims of the recent wildfires.

What is the DA warning about price gouging?
The DA is warning individuals who have engaged in price gouging to stop it immediately and refund the amount they have overcharged people. Failure to do so could result in criminal charges.

What is the DA warning about financial scams?
The DA is warning residents of scams involving fake donation organizations and fraudulent charities that target individuals looking to donate to wildfire victims. He is also warning individuals to be careful of insurance scams and to check out any insurance claims before proceeding.