By Mary O’KEEFE

At a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 15, newly-elected Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman began speaking by praising firefighters, law enforcement and residents who had cooperated by evacuating the area of the fires. He then turned attention to those who would, and have, come into the fire areas to commit crimes and those who would additionally take advantage of fire victims through price gouging.

“Yet there are people out there who have decided that they are going to take advantage of this tragedy. They’re going to exploit this crisis for their own personal benefit,” Hochman said. “We have sent this warning and I’ll say it again … the question is not if but when you will be arrested; you will then be prosecuted and then you will be punished to the full extent of the law.” 

In a statement released from Hochman’s office on Jan. 17, it was announced that the LA County District Attorney’s office had filed charges against “nine additional individuals in connection with nine alleged crimes committed during LA County’s devastating wildfires.”

The individuals were charged on a variety of alleged crimes including felony arson, felony possession of ammunition by a felon, felony looting during mandatory

evacuations and misdemeanor impersonation of a firefighter. These crimes occurred in cities including South Gate, Brentwood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Compton, Santa Monica and Malibu.

Hochman said if these individuals are found guilty they will be looking at anywhere from six to nine years in prison. And there are some who could face 22 years of prison or even a life sentence. 

“These are very significant punishments,” he said. “Justice will be swift. Justice will be significant if you want to take advantage of this tragedy.”

He added two charges of arson were filed as well for a person who set bushes on fire in the City of Industry. That individual allegedly set a pallet and the back of a trailer on fire. Another individual was charged with arson in Irwindale under the I-605 underpass. 

Hochman’s office is responding to “numerous allegations” of looting and price gouging. 

Some rents have increased well over 100%. There is one report of a house’s rent that went from $14,000 a month to $28,000 a month. The Venice area has reported rental hikes up to 60% and throughout LA County rental companies and individuals are taking advantage of those displaced by the fire. Not only are the costs of rent rising, but requirements of two months’ rent or more are being asked.

“The price gouging is particularly despicable because these are people who are basically looking at this situation and saying, ‘How can I make the most money from people who are desperately seeking housing supplies?’ They’re seeking services because they’ve lost everything. They’ve lost their homes,” Hochman said. “I will tell you that with respect to this price gouging … we have seen people increase their prices for rooms they are renting, for houses they are leasing [by] 100-200%. Here’s again my warning … If you’re one of those people who have engaged in price gouging, not only do you need to stop it immediately I would strongly recommend that you go back and fix it.”

He told those who are gouging to refund any funds they have overcharged people. 

For those who do offer refunds, he said, “We will certainly take that into consideration in deciding whether or not to charge you. So it’s your choice. If you want to actually abide by the law, you could benefit from it right this second; but if we go ahead and find out that you’ve engaged in price gouging and you’ve taken no steps to remedy the violation that you have basically enacted we will go ahead and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.” 

Hochman added that those who price gouge will be subject to criminal and civil penalties. 

“And as importantly your name will get out there. Your company’s name will get out there and you will be publicly shamed,” he said. “I want to make it crystal clear: stop it right now.”

“Price gouging during a declared emergency is a serious offense, prohibited under California Price Gouging Law (Penal Code 396). The law forbids businesses from raising prices on essential goods and services, including hotel rooms, rental housing and emergency supplies, by more than 10% during an emergency,” according to LA County Dept. of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA). 

“Los Angeles County residents should not have to be burdened with price hikes by unscrupulous businesses when they are already dealing with the disruption and stress of life-threatening emergencies,” said Rafael Carbajal, DCBA director. “We stand ready to investigate reports of price gouging and to hold violators accountable.”

Anyone who discovers price gouging can report it online at stoppricegouging.dcba.lacounty.gov or by phone at (800) 593-8222.