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Charges against alleged arsonist, looters to be announced, DA Hochman says

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Published  January 13, 2025 12:47am EST
Wildfires
FOX 11

SUGGESTED VIDEO: Fake firefighter arrested in Palisades evac zone

A man impersonating a firefighter was arrested in the Palisades Fire area Saturday night.

The Brief

    • LA County DA Nathan Hochman will hold a press conference Monday announcing charges against an alleged arsonist and looters.
    • This comes after more than three dozen people have been arrested for looting homes in the evacuation zones.
    • An overnight curfew order was recently enacted, barring anyone without authorization from entering mandatory evacuation zones in the perimeters of the Palisades and Eaton fires.

LOS ANGELES - Charges will soon be announced against a man accused of arson in Azusa and "a group of people" in connection with a looting incident in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Sunday. 

A press conference will be held Monday at 2 p.m. by Hochman and several law enforcement officials including LA County Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Officials with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will also be present.

Further details on the charges were not released. 

SUGGESTED: California wildfires: Death toll now at 24 as fires continue to burn across LA County

Last week, Hochman doubled down on the prosecution of anyone who violates the mandatory curfew orders or any other criminal activity relating to the fires.

"These criminals need to hear ... an unmistakably clear message that if you want to ... loot, if you want to commit burglary, if you want to commit grand theft ... you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law," Hochman said Thursday. "These acts are despicable."

An overnight curfew order was recently enacted, barring anyone without authorization from entering mandatory evacuation zones in the perimeters of the Palisades and Eaton fires. The curfew is in effect nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

This comes after news last week that 20 people were arrested for allegedly looting homes and businesses in the fire evacuation zones. The following day, 18 additional arrests were made for violations such as drug possession, burglary and possession of burglary tools.

RELATED COVERAGE: Palisades Fire curfew in effect as more looting arrests made

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna warned looters that patrols are being stepped up to prevent further criminal activity.

SUGGESTED: Man arrested for impersonating a firefighter in Palisades fire zone

"You cannot be in these affected areas. If you are, you are subject to arrest. That is important. We're not doing this to inconvenience anybody, we're doing this to protect the structures, houses people have left because we ordered them to leave," Luna said during a press conference.

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel are patrolling fire areas. Additionally, members of the California National Guard were also deployed to crack down on crimes committed in fire zones.

According to the governor's office, the Guard members "will be stationed at traffic control points to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. In addition, their support helps build capacity of local law enforcement to support their respective areas."

SUGGESTED: 10 burglary arrests in Palisades Fire evacuation zone: SMPD

The Source: This story was reported with information form the office of LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. City News Service contributed.

WildfiresCrime and Public Safety