LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that six people were charged today as part of a multi-agency investigation dubbed “Operation Sugar Diamond” that targeted an illegal cannabis extraction business where four people were killed in a fiery explosion at a warehouse in Irwindale in 2023 and another man died at a South El Monte facility last year.
“This case shows the deadly and disastrous results when illegal cannabis operations recklessly put greed over the safety of their employees and neighbors,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Cannabis may be legal in California, but this kind of high-risk, illegal activity is not. These drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities and my office will continue to work with law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels to hold those accountable who engage in this illicit trade.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman welcomed three new employees today — a Labrador retriever, standard poodle, and border collie/poodle mix professionally trained to support victims of sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, and human trafficking; people with disabilities; and family members of homicide victims.
“These K-9s are heroes of the DA’s Office, providing immeasurable strength and support to children and other vulnerable victims as they navigate the criminal justice system in the aftermath of horrific, life-altering crimes,” said District Attorney Hochman. “These four-legged friends support victims as they provide testimony that has been critical in many successful prosecutions. Just being able to pet a kind and calming canine can give strength to a witness who stands and testifies in court against their offender. We extend a heartfelt welcome to Miata, Johnnie and Corbin as they begin their career at LADA, ensuring our office can offer this invaluable service to crime victims for years to come.”Read more...
A 29-year-old man was charged today in a 74-count complaint, including 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon — one count for each of the 37 victims, after allegedly driving his vehicle into a crowd of people outside an East Hollywood nightclub, injuring dozens, some critically.
“The defendant’s brazen and destructive actions, as alleged in the criminal complaint, have caused unimaginable harm to dozens of innocent people,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “This is a heinous act that left dozens injured, and while the allegations will be tested in court, the impact on the victims is undeniable. Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones as they begin the long road to recovery. We are committed to pursuing justice with care and compassion for those impacted.”Read more...
As Independence Day approaches, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is warning residents not to engage in the use, possession or sale of illegal fireworks, citing a recent case in which powerful explosives injured a woman and caused destruction in an Inglewood residential neighborhood.
“Illegal fireworks are not just dangerous, they’re criminal,” District Attorney Hochman said. “If you set off explosives in our neighborhoods, injure our residents, damage our homes, and terrorize our communities, we will come after you with the full weight of the law. Do not gamble with your freedom this Fourth of July.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that 30 people have been charged with a variety of criminal offenses such as assaulting police officers, using a destructive device to cause injury and looting during the immigration protests in Downtown Los Angeles over the past two weeks.
“While we will always defend the right to peacefully protest, we will not disregard criminal behavior that puts the lives of officers and others at risk or compromises public safety,” District Attorney Hochman said. “There is a clear and distinct line between lawful expression and unlawful conduct. Our job as prosecutors is to ensure those who engage in violence and destruction are held accountable for their actions.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that more than a dozen people have been charged with various crimes, including assaulting peace officers, grand theft and vandalism during the immigration protests in Downtown Los Angeles over the past several days.
“I fiercely support the right to peacefully protest and to free speech, but my office will also fiercely prosecute those who decide to cross a line into criminal conduct,” District Attorney Hochman said. “We will protect those who hurl insults; we will prosecute those who hurl bricks, cinderblocks or fireworks at officers. An attack on our officers or on public or private property is an attack on all of us, and such criminals will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that a 22-year-old man was charged today with murdering Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros who responded to a call of a man who had been fatally shot in a Baldwin Park neighborhood over the weekend.Read more...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. has pleaded no contest to five felony counts of hazardous waste disposal at an unpermitted site, resulting in the immediate and permanent closure of all operations on its premises.
“This outcome shuts down a dangerous facility that has threatened this community for more than 75 years. Today, Watts is safer and the children and educators at Jordan High School can now breathe easier — literally and figuratively,” District Attorney Hochman said. “We will relentlessly pursue any business that poisons our neighborhoods. Let this be a warning — if you break the law and put public health at risk, we will hold you accountable.”
