Inside LADA

February 10, 2025: DA Hochman Announces Felony Charges Against Man Accused of Throwing Object Onto 101 Freeway During Protest

 

 

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that Martin Richard Torres has been charged in the felony crime of throwing an object onto the 101 Freeway with an intent to cause great bodily injury during an immigration protest.

“Everyone has the right to express their views and engage in peaceful protest — that is fundamental to our democracy,” District Attorney Hochman said. “But when actions cross the line into criminal behavior that endangers lives, my Office will not hesitate to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Throwing objects onto a busy freeway is not an act of protest; it is a reckless and dangerous crime that could seriously injure or kill innocent people. If you use a protest as a cover for criminal activity, know this — you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable.”

Read the release.Read more...

February 10, 2025: DA Hochman, Lawmakers, Other Elected Officials to Announce Legislation to Address Wildfire-Related Crimes

 

 

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino), Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D - Thousand Oaks), and Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D - Downey) announced the introduction of Assembly Bill (AB) 469, bipartisan legislation that provides law enforcement with better tools to crack down on looting and impersonation of emergency personnel during wildfires and other emergencies. AB 469 responds to recent criminal activity in mandatory evacuation areas and communities devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Among other important changes, AB 469 would allow prosecutors to seek stronger penalties for looting and impersonation, close existing loopholes that can hinder prosecution, and better protect communities during the recovery and rebuilding process.

The new legislation was developed in close consultation with firefighters and law enforcement professionals and is supported by the California Professional Firefighters, the California District Attorneys Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, Ventura County District Attorney Eric Nasarenko, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

Read the release.Read more...

January 22, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Felony Charges in Commercial Sexual Exploitation Crimes During Human Trafficking Prevention Month

 

 

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that felony charges have been filed against three individuals who allegedly engaged in human sex trafficking and pandering of multiple victims.

“Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar business and should be viewed as nothing short of modern-day slavery,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Los Angeles County has the tragic distinction of being one of the nation's capitals of human trafficking. This is completely unacceptable and must be stopped. The victims are some of the most vulnerable, defenseless individuals in our community, often just kids, and they need our protection and the prosecution of their tormentors. Please know if you are engaged in these despicable acts, we will come after you, arrest you, prosecute you, and see that you spend years behind bars."

Read the release.Read more...

January 17, 2025: Commissioner Lara and Los Angeles DA Hochman Announce Rapid Response Effort to Prevent and Prosecute Insurance Fraud

 

 

LOS ANGELES — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman today announced a rapid response effort to prevent and prosecute insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors. The partnership focuses on raising awareness, prosecuting fraud, and equipping survivors with tools to navigate recovery safely.

“Scammers exploit vulnerable times, preying on survivors with false promises and fraudulent schemes,” said Commissioner Lara. “We’ve seen this in past wildfires. By partnering with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, we’re amplifying protections for wildfire victims and empowering consumers to protect themselves. My Department is committed to guiding you with resources to make informed decisions and avoid scams.”

“Our Office’s fraud-fighting prosecutors have a message for scammers: You will not get away with impersonating insurance companies in order to steal from wildfire victims in Los Angeles County,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “Our Office is on high alert for insurance scams and we will relentlessly pursue and seek the maximum punishment for the criminals who seek to exploit the victims of the LA County fires. I would like to thank Commissioner Ricardo Lara for his partnership in standing up for LA County fire victims during this ongoing disaster and as we prepare for recovery. Insurance fraud will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

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...

Pages