The charges were the result of a multi-agency collaboration that underscores the strength of local, state and federal partnerships.
January 14, 2025 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday announced charges against 10 individuals in four crimes committed during the devastating wildfires. Nine people are facing felony charges in connection to residential burglaries in the cities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and a separate defendant has been charged with arson for intentionally starting a fire in the city of Azusa.
“These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability,” District Attorney 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.”
The felony charges were the result of a multi-agency collaboration that underscores the strength of local, state, and federal partnerships. Law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles Police Department; Los Angeles County Fire Arson Unit; U.S. Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated closely with the District Attorney’s Office to bring these suspects to justice.
District Attorney Hochman expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering commitment of his Office, these agencies, and the support of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
“Our ability to swiftly apprehend and charge these individuals is a testament to the incredible dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” DA Hochman said. “I want to thank every officer, investigator and prosecutor who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities during this crisis. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has been an indispensable partner in our efforts to protect residents, support first responders, and ensure justice for those affected by these tragic events.”
Martrell Peoples (22) and Damari Bell (21) are each charged with one count of first-degree residential burglary and looting during an emergency or evacuation: grand theft. It is further alleged that Peoples committed the offense while on state prison parole and Bell committed the offense while on felony probation. Allegations include they took property exceeding $200,000. Additionally, Bell is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. The Office has recommended a $1,110,000 bail amount for Peoples and $310,000 bail for Bell. If convicted as charged, Peoples faces life in prison and Bell faces 22 years, eight months in prison.
Travon Coleman (27) is charged with one count of felony hit-and run. It is further alleged that Coleman inflicted great bodily harm on a victim and committed the offense as a convicted felon. The People have recommended a $1,080,000 bail amount. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison.
Between the late evening hours of Jan. 8 and the early morning of Jan. 9, Peoples and Bell are accused in a burglary at a residence located in the Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles. 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 and crashing in the intersection of Figueroa and 5th St., hitting a car and injuring the driver. After the crash, Coleman allegedly fled on foot but was ultimately detained.
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Jose Gerardo Escobar (39)is charged with one count each of felony arson; arson during a state of emergency; and attempted arson. He is being held on $20,000 bail. Escobar’s arraignment was on Monday in Dept. 4 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, West Covina Branch. If convicted as charged, he faces nine years in state prison.
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, Azusa.
The case was investigated by the Azusa Police Department.
Rudy Salazar (19) and Lucia Jilrara Perez (36) are charged with two counts each of first-degree residential burglary in case 25PDCF00020. 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.
This case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Roy Sims (18); Ryan Sims (19); Naquan Dewey Reddix (22); and Pierie Obannon (19) are charged with one count each of first-degree residential burglary in case 5PDCF00019. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Jan. 10. Their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Jan. 28, Dept. D of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pasadena Branch. Bail for Roy Sims and Ryan Sims has been set for $50,000 each. If convicted as charged, each faces up to six years in state prison. Reddix and Obannon have posted bail and were released.
On Jan. 8, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the defendants are accused of entering a home during the Eaton fire in Altadena and stealing property.
This case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The District Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with law enforcement to identify and bring to justice any individuals taking advantage of the tragedy. DA Hochman reiterated the importance of complying with curfews in affected areas.
“These curfews are in place to protect residents and ensure public safety. Anyone who violates them will face serious consequences,” Hochman said. “Our office is fully committed to getting these criminals off the streets and putting them on alert: We will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness.”
The charges filed in these cases are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Arrest of Jose Gerardo Escobar accused in the Azusa arson. View video here.
Screenshot of looting suspects in a Pacific Palisades home. View video here.
Looting in an Altadena home during fires.
Tools allegedly used in an Altadena house burglary.
Source & photos: Los Angeles County District Attorney
