The coalition of state legislators has introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for plundering and impersonating paramedics in emergencies. This came after last month’s devastating Southern California wildfires, which lit the spotlight on crime after the disaster.
Assembly members Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Jackie Irwin (d-suldy oaks) and Blanca Pacheco (d-downey) along with Agge Hochman of the Los Angeles County district and Hochman of the other Los Angeles County district. and announced bipartisan Bill 469 at a press conference on Monday morning. An elected official.
Man charged with felony for conduct during LA immigration rally
According to Da Hochman’s office, AB 469 provides law enforcement with better tools to crack down on first responders and spoofing. Prosecutors also seek stronger penalties for such crimes, blocking prosecutions during the recovery and reconstruction process, closing existing loopholes that can better protect the community.
A video shared by the Los Angeles County DA shows burglars looting a home within Los Angeles’ Palisade Fire Evacuation Zone. January 2025 (DA Office, LA County)
Under AB 469, prosecutors are also permitted to seek felony charges for crimes related to fire damage or theft from evacuated homes.
“From the start of the Los Angeles County wildfires, I made it clear. Our office has put this crisis into the process of looting, arson, price gouging, first responders, impersonating financial fraud and fiscal fraud. They have a tolerant to the despicable crimes of those who seek to exploit,” Hochman’s office said in a statement. “We arrest these offenders, prosecute them, seeking the maximum sentences in prisons and prisons.”
Concerns are growing concerns that per ocean Palisade Fire toxic waste sites as more rain moves to Southern California
Last month’s catastrophic and deadly wildfire “emphasized the need for strong protection,” particularly as it directly led to historic price gouging, insurance fraud and brave impersonation of emergency workers. In one instance, an Oregon couple said they bought a fake fire truck and ran thousands of miles to plunder the Pallisard Fire Zone. In the latter case, Dustin and Jennifer Nehle face misdemeanor charges.
Oregon couples Dustin and Jennifer Nehle are charged with impersonating firefighters in a wildfire in Los Angeles. (Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)
Dozens of individuals have been arrested on suspicion of looting, while several other individuals have been charged with arson-related crimes, according to the DA’s office.
Hit and Run Driver flees after hitting a US Bank branch
The district attorney himself has a clear message for those considering “preying on vulnerable people at the lowest moment.”
“You commit these crimes at your own serious risk,” he said.
Source link
