Arsonist Charged, Looters Caught With Stolen Emmy, Another Dressed As Fireman: DA

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that 10 people have been charged with crimes related to the wildfires that are still tearing through the county, and many more will likely be charged.

From arson in Azusa to a person accused of stealing an Emmy Award trophy from a home in Altadena, law enforcement officials are continuing their crackdown on crimes targeting wildfire victims as strictly enforced curfews remain in place for two of the largest fires burning.

"The question is not if, but when, you will be caught if you engage in these crimes," Hochman said. "Do not commit any of these crimes in which people are trying to profit from the tragedy of the people who have suffered from these various fires."

Jose Carranza-Escobar was charged with arson, while nine others were charged with looting homes that were either burned or evacuated in the path of the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires, the newly elected district attorney shared at a news conference on Monday afternoon.

According to LA county Supervisor Hilda Solis, another arson was reported in Irwindale. The status of that case was not shared.

Hochman's office did not immediately respond to Patch to confirm the names of the nine arrested and charged with taking things from fire-impacted homes.

Carranza-Escobar, who was apprehended in Azusa, was not arrested in connection with either of the biggest fires, Hochman confirmed.

Officers dispatched to Azuza just before noon on Friday in response to a reported brush fire found Jose Carranza-Escobar standing next to the flames, the Azusa Police Department reported. Officers quickly detained Carranza-Escobar and firefighters dispatched to the scene quickly knocked down the blaze.

Carranza-Escobar has been charged with three different arson charges and could face up to nine years in state prison, Hochman said. He was set for arraignment on Monday.

A handful of the people who were arrested on suspicion of looting may face life in prison, Hochman said, as some of the suspects could be "third strike" offenders if proven guilty.

Another suspect was arrested after he was accused of accompanying looters who stole more than $200,000, running a red light and crashing into a vehicle possibly while fleeing an area. The person in the vehicle that was struck suffered a concussion, Hochman said adding that the suspect has been charged with one count of felony hit and run causing great bodily injury and may also face life in prison as a potential third-strike case.

As for the suspects who are accused of stealing $200,000 from a home in Mandeville Canyon, Hochman says they were spotted on a Ring camera and traced back to a residence in Koreatown.

Three suspects were charged in connection with looting a home in Altadena. Among the items recovered were burglary tools, an Emmy Award belonging to the resident who lived there and other items from the home, Hochman said.

Another person attempting a burglary was reportedly caught impersonating a firefighter — wearing a fire jacket and a helmet, Hochman and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.

"This behavior is despicable," Horvath said.

Authorities at the meeting emphasized yet again the severity of the consequences that await those caught unauthorized within designated fire and evacuation zones.

"We are aware that other crimes have occurred. We are aware of some of the individuals that are involved," Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Blake Chow said. "I anticipate that we will be announcing additional arrests in the very near future."

At least 90 arrests have been made across the county in connection with curfew violations, looting, arson and more crimes, NBC4 reported. The LA sheriff's department has confirmed at least 34 arrest within fire zones on suspicion of looting, curfew violation or other crimes.

Aside from curfew/evacuation violations and looting, more crimes Hochman and other law agencies continue to be on the lookout for include fraud, unauthorized drone flights, online scams and price gouging.

Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has opened an email and a phone line for people to report cases of price gouging.

Soto said she's been made aware of instances like rental units doubling in price overnight. Those who witness or fall prey to businesses or landlords raising prices over 10% during the emergency can report them here: att.pricegougingtaskforce@lacity.org or 213-679-5035.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada was also present and issued a warning against those who may be planning to defraud relief money. Estrada urged that his office will be vigilantly monitoring for fraud of federal recovery funds and charity fraud.

"This is one of the largest disasters we've ever faced. We will see huge amounts of relief money coming into this area, including federal funds, if history is any guide, including through the pandemic we all went through, there are people who will attempt to steal that money."