Inside LADA

January 17, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Eight More Individuals Charged with Crimes During Deadly LA County Wildfires

 

 

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today announced that charges have been filed against eight additional individuals in connection with eight alleged crimes committed during LA County’s devastating wildfires. The charges encompass a range of offenses, including felony arson, felony possession of ammunition by a felon, felony looting during mandatory evacuations, and misdemeanor impersonation of a firefighter. These alleged crimes occurred across the county, including in the cities of South Gate, Brentwood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Compton, Santa Monica, and Malibu.

“To anyone who believes they can use this disaster as a cover for criminal activity, let this be your warning: You will be caught, and you will be held accountable,” District Attorney Hochman said. “The citizens of this county deserve safety and justice, especially in the wake of such unprecedented devastation, and I will not rest until we achieve both.”

Read the news release.Read more...

January 13, 2025: District Attorney Announces Charges in Pacific Palisades and Altadena Looting and Azusa Arson

 

 
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman today announced charges against 10 individuals in four crimes committed during the devastating wildfires. Nine people are facing felony charges in connection to residential burglaries in the cities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and a separate defendant has been charged with arson for intentionally starting a fire in the city of Azusa.

“These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability,” District Attorney 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.”

Read the news releaseRead more...

January 10, 2025: DA Hochman Discusses Local Fires and Criminal Activity at LA County, LA City News Conference

 

 
District Attorney Nathan Hochman joined Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City officials at a news conference Friday to provide an update on the ongoing fires and partnerships with law enforcement in Los Angeles County. DA Hochman discussed the ongoing criminal activity by those who are preying on vulnerable victims of the fires. He sent a clear message that those who engage in arson, violate law enforcement curfews, loot and steal property from evacuation zones, fly illegal drones, and scam our residents will be prosecuted and maximally punished.Read more...

January 9, 2025: Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman Speaks at LA County Windstorm and Wildfires Press Conference

 

DA Hochman joined LA County and LA City officials at a news conference today to provide updates about the ongoing fires in LA County. DA Hochman addressed the criminal activity, including looting, that is being carried out by individuals preying on vulnerable victims throughout the county during this devastating time. His clear message to criminals who are taking advantage of our community: You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. And you will be punished to the full extent of the law.

Please report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.Read more...

January 8, 2025: Statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on the Los Angeles County Fires

 

In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles County, our hearts are with the families and communities who have suffered from this tragedy. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, and our landscapes forever changed. As we confront this crisis, we stand together in solidarity with those impacted by this disaster, and we express our deepest condolences to all affected.

While the community rallies to support one another, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to preying on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much. Let it be clearly known that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others—whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary, or any other form of criminal activity—will not go unpunished. We will identify, arrest, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, and you will face the maximum penalties for your actions.

In these trying times, we urge all Angelenos to continue caring for each other. Follow all evacuation orders, stay informed, and reach out to emergency services if you need help. Those who are able to lend a hand to neighbors and strangers alike are showing the true spirit of our community.

This is a time for compassion, resilience, and unity. The work of rebuilding will take time, but together, we will emerge stronger. If you see something that threatens your safety or the safety of others, please report it immediately to law enforcement.

To those who are enduring hardship, please know that you are not alone. Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and everything you are doing.

Watch DA Hochman discuss the LA County fires and lootingRead more...

January 3, 2025: Statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on a Meeting with the Menendez Family

 

010324 Menendez News Conference Photo

On January 3, DA Hochman held a news conference to address a meeting he had with members of Erik and Lyle Menendez's family to discuss their concerns regarding the ongoing review of the Menendez brothers' case.

Watch the news conference.

Read the statement.Read more...

January 3, 2025: DA Hochman Announces Charges in Shooting of Two Security Guards at Downtown Los Angeles Target Store

 

Metoyer News Conference

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that a 25-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder in the shooting of two security guards at a Target store in downtown LA on Dec. 30.

“This morning, my office filed serious charges against a man accused of attempting to shoplift from a Target store and then escalating his actions to a violent attack that left two security guards injured, one critically, by gunfire,” District Attorney Hochman said. “This kind of brazen thievery and violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County.

“My thoughts are with the injured guards and their families during this difficult time. I want to assure them, and all residents, that we will use every resource available to bring justice to those who commit such heinous acts. If you engage in criminal behavior that endangers lives and disrupts public safety in LA County, you will face swift and decisive consequences.”

Watch the news conference.

Read the news release.Read more...