LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday announced multiple charges against nine suspected looters and one suspected arsonist over the past week as wildfires ravaged the region.
“These crimes are horrific and represent a direct attack on our community at a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability,” Hochman said. “Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on the victims of this deadly fire, we will find you and punish you to the fullest extent of the law. I will prosecute.”
The looting suspects are primarily charged with residential burglary, but at least one suspect is also charged with a felony hit-and-run with serious bodily injury, Hochman said.
Hochman said some of those arrested had criminal records, which could result in sentences ranging from decades to life in prison if convicted.
At least one item allegedly stolen was “an Emmy award winning item belonging to a resident who lived there,” Hochman said.
A video shared by the Los Angeles County Attorney’s Office shows robbers ransacking a home in Los Angeles’ Palisades fire evacuation zone. January 2025 (LA County Attorney’s Office)
These crimes are not the only incidents like this.
Dozens of people were arrested in the days following the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The Santa Monica Police Department announced that they arrested more than 40 people in the evacuation zone between January 7th and January 12th, 10 of whom were arrested on robbery charges. None of those arrested were Santa Monica residents.
Azusa police identified the arson suspect as a transient named Jose Carranza Escobar. He was seen “standing near the flames” and was immediately taken into custody.
Police said Carranza Escobar, whose last known address was in Azusa, later admitted to starting the fire.
Interactive map showing homes destroyed and spared by wildfires in Los Angeles
Hochman said the fire was quickly extinguished and did not get out of control.
After discussing the arrests made so far, officials issued a warning to others considering their own looting.
“The question is not if arrests will be made in connection with these crimes, but when arrests will be made,” Hochman said.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, chief of detectives for the Los Angeles Police Department, added: “We are aware of other crimes occurring…We expect to announce additional arrests in the near future.”
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