News Releases & Advisories

February 26, 2025: California AutoNation Dealerships Settle Consumer Protection Lawsuit for $650,000

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today announced that California AutoNation dealerships will pay $650,000 to settle a civil lawsuit alleging that in thousands of instances dating back to 2019, the dealerships failed to timely transfer ownership of used vehicles to consumers after the sale as required by California law.

February 25, 2025: District Attorney Hochman Announces Grand Jury Indictment Against 18 Individuals in Major Jail Drug Smuggling Operation

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that 18 individuals — including Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Meiser — have been indicted by a Grand Jury for their alleged roles in a sophisticated drug smuggling operation involving Mexican Mafia associates inside the County jail system.

February 21, 2025: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Files Informal Response to Menendez Habeas Petition

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that his office has filed an informal response to the habeas petition submitted by Lyle and Erik Menendez in May 2023. The filing was made pursuant to a court order in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

February 20, 2025: Juvenile Charged with Attempted Murder Following Stabbing at Protest

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that his office has filed an attempted murder charge against a juvenile in connection with a Feb. 7 stabbing of another teen at a protest in downtown Los Angeles.

February 18, 2025: Statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on Rakim Mayers aka A$AP Rocky's Not Guilty Verdict

“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system. Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law, and we will not waver in our pursuit of justice for victims and the community. I want to thank Deputy District Attorneys Paul Przelomiec and John Lewin for their dedication and tireless efforts in presenting this case. I also commend the prosecutors and investigators of our Central Division for their hard work and professionalism throughout this process. Our mission remains clear: to uphold the law, protect public safety, and ensure justice for all.”

February 12, 2025: Husband Faces Murder Charge in Deadly Encino Shooting of Wife

VAN NUYS, CA — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that a 64-year-old man has been charged with murdering his 54-year-old wife as she left a religious meeting in Encino with their young son.

February 12, 2025: DA Hochman Announces Man Pleads No Contest to String of Burglaries at Los Angeles County Cemeteries

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today announced that a 44-year-old man pleaded no contest to felony burglarizing vehicles parked at countywide cemeteries as grieving families or friends visited loved ones and attended funerals.

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.

February 10, 2025: California Lawmakers Announce Legislation to Strengthen Penalties for Looting, Impersonation of Emergency Personnel During Wildfires and Other Emergencies

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.

February 6, 2025: DA Hochman Announces Charges in Public Benefits EBT Fraud Scheme in Lancaster

LANCASTER, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today announced that a 27-year-old man has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars in California public assistance benefits using fraudulent Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards at an ATM in Lancaster. The discovery was made as District Attorney Investigators from LADA’s Bureau of Investigation were conducting an EBT Anti-Skimming Operation on February 1.

Pages