Inside LADA

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.

In addition to the court filing, the District Attorney’s Office has provided an educational resource for the public. A link to an informational video discussing the Menendez case from a procedural perspective has been made available on the DA’s website with links below. The video aims to provide insight into the workings of the criminal justice system, using the Menendez case as a framework to explain legal proceedings.

“I want to thank the dedicated attorneys and staff in my office particularly Assistant Head Deputy Habib Balian; and Deputy District Attorneys Seth Carmack and Ethan Milius for their diligent work on this case,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Transparency and public education are essential to ensuring confidence in our justice system, and I encourage the public to utilize these resources to better understand the legal process.”

Link to media resourcesRead more...

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...

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...