Inside LADA

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...

December 23, 2024: DA Hochman Announces Vacated Convictions for Wrongly Imprisoned Woman and Man in 2007 East Hollywood Murder

 

Charlotte Pleytez and Lombardo Palacios Press conference

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan vacated the convictions and ordered the immediate release of Charlotte Pleytez and Lombardo Palacios, each who spent more than 17 years in prison for an East Hollywood murder in 2007.

“Our justice system must be both fair and accurate, and this case highlights the critical importance of never resting until justice is done, reviewing even past cases with the utmost care to ensure that the right and just result is reached,” District Attorney Hochman said.

“I want to extend my deepest apologies to Ms. Pleytez and Mr. Palacios for the years of hardship they endured due to these wrongful convictions.

“I also want to recognize the tragic loss of Hector Luis Flores and share my heartfelt condolences with his family. His death is a painful reminder of the heavy responsibility we bear to ensure justice not only holds the right people accountable but also honors the lives of victims and their families.”

Watch the news conference

Read the news releaseRead more...

December 16, 2024: DA Hochman Announces Additional Charges in Murder of Woodland Hills Dr. Hamid Mirshojae

 

121624-news-conference

WOODLAND HILLS, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced today that Ahang Mirshojae, aka Ahang Kelk, is charged in the murder of her former husband, Woodland Hills Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, who was shot and killed outside of his medical clinic on August 23.

“The horror and betrayal of this crime are beyond words, and it is with a heavy heart that we must also announce that charges have been filed against Dr. Hamid Mirshojae’s ex-wife, Ahang Mirshojae, in connection with this tragedy,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “The depth of the deceit and violence involved in this case is chilling, and we will not rest until justice is served.”

Watch the news conference

Read the news releaseRead more...

December 3, 2024: Nathan Hochman Sworn In As New LA County District Attorney

 

Hochman swearing-in photo

LOS ANGELES - Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor and Assistant U.S. Attorney General, was sworn in today as the 44th District Attorney of Los Angeles County. Hundreds of elected leaders, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, first responders and supporters watched outside the Hall of Justice as Mr. Hochman was sworn in by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

DA Hochman vowed to improve public safety in Los Angeles County by pursuing appropriate sentences for violent and serious offenders, while also offering counseling and rehabilitation to those whose crimes were motivated by addiction or mental illness. 

DA Hochman announced a series of immediate policy changes that he said would promote public safety by holding the most dangerous offenders accountable. He said he would inform prosecutors that he is eliminating former DA Gascón’s special directives that prohibited or strictly limited the filing of certain charges and sentencing enhancements. 

Prosecutors in the District Attorney’s Office will once again have the discretion to file charges based on the unique circumstances of each case, the crime committed, the defendant’s background, the impact on the victim and the law, he said. 

“District attorneys must have only two things as their North Stars: the facts and the law,” DA Hochman said. “I reject blanket extreme policies on both sides of the pendulum swing – decarceration policies that predetermine that certain crimes and certain criminals are not going to be prosecuted and mass incarceration policies that also are not anchored in the facts and the law.”

Watch the swearing-in.

Read the news release.Read more...

Pages