News Releases

This alleged arson brings the total number of individuals charged in recent fire-related cases to 27

SAN FERNANDO, CA — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that a 41-year-old man has been charged with felony arson in connection with a Feb. 3 brush fire near the Chatsworth Reservoir. This brings the total number of individuals charged in recent fire-related cases to 27.

“As we continue to recover from the devastation of recent wildfires, this case is a stark reminder of the grave threat alleged arsonists pose to our communities,” District Attorney Hochman said. “We have seen firsthand the destruction, displacement, and loss of life caused by these senseless acts. Let me be clear — if you intentionally set fire to our land, endanger our residents, and threaten our first responders, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

Alejandro Martinez (DOB 9/22/83) faces one count of felony arson of a structure or forest; and one count of felony attempt to burn in case 25SFCF00215. He also faces an aggravated circumstance of increasing seriousness of prior convictions.

Martinez’s bail was set at $175,000. He pleaded not guilty Feb. 5 and his preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Feb. 13, Dept. S of the San Fernando Courthouse.

If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of six years, eight months in prison.

On Feb. 3 at around 4:30 p.m., a group of residents apprehended the defendant suspected of igniting a brush fire near the Chatsworth Reservoir, restraining him until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody.

The case is being prosecuted by LADA’s San Fernando Branch and was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Recent LADA Fire-Related Charges

Felony First-Degree Residential Burglary

• Ivan Ruiz, case 25ARCF00131, one count.
• Rudy Salazar, case 25PDCF00020, two counts.
• Lucia Jilrara Perez case 25PDCF00020, two counts.
• Roy Sims case 25PDCF00019
• Ryan Sims case 25PDCF00019
• Naquan Dewey Reddix case 25PDCF00019
• Pierie Obannon case 25PDCF00019

Felony First-Degree Residential Burglary and Looting During an Emergency or Evacuation: Grand Theft

• Martrell Peoples case 25ARCF00070, one count.
• Damari Bell case 25ARCF00070, one count.

Felony Looting During a State of Emergency or Evacuation: 2nd Degree Burglary

• Ivan Ruiz, case 25ARCF00131, one count.

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Attempted Second-Degree Burglary

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Unauthorized Entry of Closed Disaster Area

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Attempt to Burn

• Christopher Reimers case 25ARCF00136, one count.
• Jose Gerardo Carranza Escobar case 25WCCF00034, one count.
• Alejandro Martinez case 25SFCF00215, one count.

Felony Arson

• Jose Gerardo Carranza Escobar case 25WCCF00034, one count.
• Alejandro Martinez case 25SFCF00215, one count.

Felony Arson During a State of Emergency

• Luis Felipe Gudino case 25DWCF00047, one count. 
• Richard Alexander Peterson case 25DWCF00046, one count.
• Omar Lopez case 25DWCF00044, two counts.
• Manuel Rodriguez case 25ARCF00091, one count.
• Jaime Mota case 25WCCF00048, one count.
• Ruben Michael Montes case 25WCCF00047, one count.
• Jose Gerardo Carranza Escobar case 25WCCF00034, one count.

Felony Possession, Manufacturing, or Disposing of Flammable or Combustible Materials, Incendiary Devices, or Explosives with the Intent to Commit Arson

• Ruben Michael Montes case 25WCCF00047, one count.

Felony Arson of Property of Another

• Manuel Rodriguez case 25ARCF00091, one count.
• Travis Glodt case 25ARCF00089, three counts.
• Leopoldo Reveles case 25CMCF00082, two counts.
• Jaime Mota case 25WCCF00048, one count.

Felony Unlawful Possession of Ammunition: Prohibited by a Prior Conviction

• Keyshon Walker case 25ARCF00080, one count.

Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

• Keyshon Walker case 25ARCF00080, one count.

Felony Hit-and Run

• Travon Coleman case 25ARCF00080, one count.

Misdemeanor Possession of Burglary Tools

• Keyshon Walker, case 25ARCF00080, one count.
• Joshua Love case, 25ARCF00081, one count.

Misdemeanor Interference at Scene of Emergency

• Keyshon Walker, case 25ARCF00080, one count.
• Joshua Love case, 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Looting During a State of Emergency

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Attempted Second-Degree Burglary

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Unauthorized Entry of Closed Disaster Area

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Felony Receiving Stolen Property Exceeding $950 in Value

• Ivan Cedric Reed case 25VWCF00064, one count.

Misdemeanor Interference at the Scene of Emergency

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Misdemeanor Trespass by Entering and Occupying

• Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Misdemeanor Possession of Injection/Ingestion Device

•  Joshua Love case 25ARCF00081, one count.

Misdemeanor Impersonation of a Firefighter

• Ivan Cedric Reed case 25VWCF00064, one count.
• Dustin Lee Nehl case 25VWCM00317, one count.
• Jennifer Nehl case 25VWCM00317, one count.

Misdemeanor Count of Unlawful Use of a Badge 

• Ivan Cedric Reed case 25VWCF00064, one count.

Misdemeanor Count of Unauthorized Entry of Closed Disaster Area

• Benjamin Corrodi case 25ARCF00192, one count.

For more information on these cases, please see our news releases here:

January 24, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Additional Charges in Wildfire-Related Crimes, Bringing Total to 25 Individuals Charged
January 24, 2025: DA Hochman Announces Charges Against Oregon Man, Woman for Impersonating Firefighters During LA County Wildfires
January 17, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Nine More Individuals Charged with Crimes During Deadly LA County Wildfires
January 15, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Felony Arson Charges Against Two Men in Separate Cases Amid Raging LA Fires
January 13, 2025: District Attorney Announces Charges in Pacific Palisades and Altadena Looting and Azusa Arson