Los Angeles County authorities say they are cracking down on people taking advantage of the wildfires burning across the region.
In a news conference on Monday, Jan. 13, District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced ten arrests, including one man who was charged with arson for allegedly starting a fire in the city of Azusa, and nine others who face felony charges in connection with residential burglaries in the fire-ravaged areas of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
“These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability,” 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.”
Related: LA Residents ‘Detain’ Suspected Arsonist Holding Blowtorch Near Kenneth Fire
Jose Gerardo Escobar is facing nine years in state prison. He is charged with one count of felony arson; arson during a state of emergency; and attempted arson. He is being held on $20,000 bail. The alleged crime took place on Jan. 10 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Escobar is accused of attempting to light a large tree on fire that had fallen to the ground at Pioneer Park 1360 N. Dalton Avenue in Azusa. The case was investigated by the Azusa Police Department.
Martrell Peoples and Damari Bell are both charged with one count of first-degree residential burglary and looting during an emergency or evacuation. Bell has also been charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to the DA’s office, the alleged crimes took place between the late evening hours of Jan. 8 and the early morning of Jan. 9. Peoples and Bell are accused of a burglary at a residence located in the Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles. The allegations are that the two took property exceeding $200,000. Peoples was already on parole and Bell was on probation. The bail amount has been recommended for Peoples at $1,110,000 and $310,000 for Bell. If convicted as charged, Peoples faces life in prison and Bell faces 22 years, eight months in prison.
Travon Coleman is charged with one count of felony hit-and-run. As per the DA’s office, at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Jan. 9, during the ongoing investigation into the earlier burglary, Coleman is accused of attempting to evade police. He crashed into an intersection, hitting another car and injuring the driver. After the crash, Coleman allegedly fled on foot but was ultimately detained by Los Angeles police. The bail amount has been recommended at $1,080,000. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison.
Rudy Salaza and Lucia Jilrara Perez are charged with two counts each of first-degree residential burglary. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Jan. 10. Their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Jan. 29, Dept. D of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Pasadena Branch. On Jan. 8 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the defendants are accused of entering two homes during the Eaton fire in Altadena and stealing property.
Roy Sims, Ryan Sims, Naquan Dewey Reddix, and Pierie Obannon are charged with one count each of first-degree residential burglary. If convicted as originally charged, each will face up to six years in state prison. The defendants are accused of entering a home during the Eaton fire in Altadena and stealing property on Jan. 8 at approximately 5 p.m. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Jan. 10 and their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Jan. 28, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pasadena Branch. Roy and Ryan Sims’ bail was set for $50,000. Both Reddix and Obannon posted bail and have been released.
Hochman expressed gratitude to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, and various Law enforcement agencies to their assistance with these cases.
The wind-fueled wildfires burning in Los Angeles County started on Tuesday, Jan. 7. According to the L.A. County Coroner’s Office, the fires have claimed 24 lives.
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