Some arrested for Los Angeles wildfire looting, arson could face life sentences: DA
Jan 15, 2025
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday announced charges against nine suspected looters and an alleged arsonist over the past week as wildfires ravaged the area.
“These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability,” Hochman said. “Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Charges for the alleged looters are mostly residential burglary, though at least one suspect also faces a charge of felony hit-and-run causing great bodily injury, Hochman said.
Several of those arrested have previous felony convictions, leading to sentences that range from decades to life in prison if they're convicted, Hochman said.
At least one item that was allegedly stolen was "an Emmy Award of the resident who lived there," Hochman said.
In a video shared by the Los Angeles County DA, burglars are seen looting a home inside the Palisades Fire evacuation zone in Los Angeles. January 2025. (LA County DA's Office)
These crimes are far from being the only such incidents.
Dozens of arrests have been made in the days following the eruption of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The Santa Monica Police Department announced the arrests of more than 40 people within evacuation zones between Jan. 7 and Jan. 12, with 10 of those being for suspected burglary. None of the people arrested were Santa Monica residents.
The arson suspect has been identified by Azusa police as a transient named Jose Carranza-Escobar. He was seen "standing next to the flames" and was promptly detained. Carranza-Escobar later admitted to starting the fire, police said.
Hochman said that blaze was quickly contained and did not burn out of control.
After discussing the arrests made thus far, officials had a warning for others who are considering doing some looting of their own.
"The question is not if, but when, you're captured in connection with these crimes," Hochman said.
"We're aware that there are other crimes that have occurred ... I anticipate that we'll be announcing additional arrests in the very near future," added Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, chief of detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department. Authorities have also reported arrests related to violating curfews and flying drones in the fire zones.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.