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A new task force focused on combating crime related to Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires was announced Thursday as residents work to recover and rebuild.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Regional Fire Crimes Joint Task Force is made up of federal and local law enforcement agencies to investigate fire-related crimes and prosecute those who seek to exploit the wildfire crisis.
The task force will focus on four areas:
Looting, robbery, and identity theft Crimes related to arson Illegal drone activity Financial fraud targeting disaster victims and charitable donations
More than 50 people have been arrested for looting and theft-related crimes related to the wildfires. Nine people have been charged so far, with possible sentences ranging from six years to life in prison.
Regarding arson, officials said the task force would “aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to start new fires through malicious or reckless conduct.”
Federal arson law provides for a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. In case of death, these penalties can increase to life imprisonment. Under California law, arson is punishable by up to nine years in prison.
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“Illegal drone activity in areas with active fires has disrupted operations, with drones colliding with firefighting aircraft,” the official said.
Temporary flight restrictions will remain in place in the areas surrounding the Palisades and Eaton fires until January 25th. The FBI has deployed equipment to detect drones flying within restricted areas. Violators could face up to one year in prison and fines of up to $75,000.
The task force will also focus on those suspected of defrauding or preying on fire victims or soliciting donations for recovery efforts.
“Generous people around the world are making donations to help victims,” federal officials said. “Unfortunately, it creates opportunities for fraud as criminals take advantage of disasters for their own benefit by sending fraudulent solicitations or creating fraudulent websites. Donors should only donate to known organizations and avoid donating by cash or wire transfer.”
Price gouging laws are also in place, stating that no person or business can increase the price of housing, shelter, food, water, clothing, pet care, health care, or other essential goods and services by more than 10%. It is determined.
Violators of price gouging laws can be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined up to $10,000. They are also subject to civil enforcement actions, including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The task force is comprised of several agencies, including:
United States Attorney’s Office Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles Police Department Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
“In addition to our efforts to combat fraud, we are dedicating resources to our task force to investigate suspected arson, and we will not tolerate careless and criminal drone operators who endanger our firefighters and residents,” said Assistant Chief of Staff Akil Davis. said. Director of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office “will relentlessly pursue and hold accountable those despicable individuals who seek to exploit this tragedy for personal gain.” We want to send a clear and unambiguous message to criminals. If you attempt to commit crimes during this crisis, from arson, looting, robbery and theft to price gouging and financial fraud, we will arrest you, prosecute you and seek punishment. To the fullest extent of the law. ”
The public is encouraged to report wildfire-related crimes to local law enforcement. Tips can also be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov/home.
Cases of financial fraud can be reported to the National Disaster Fraud Center at 866-720-5721 or online at justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
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