The Los Angeles city attorney's office is prosecuting two men for violating a fire-related curfew, while asking the public for help identifying possible arsonists.
City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto charged two men in their 40s between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. A curfew was imposed on January 9 After the disastrous Eaton and Palisades fires.
A curfew was issued After at least 20 people They were arrested on suspicion of robbery shortly after the fire started on January 7.
The curfew was limited to fire “evacuation order” and “evacuation warning” zones within Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
“This curfew was enacted to protect public safety, prevent looting and robberies, and allow our first responders to continue their difficult work protecting our city and its residents,” said Felstein Soto. said in a statement. “My office will hold anyone who violates this order accountable.”
Charging documents say the two were in a restricted area inside Pacific Palisade at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, in violation of a curfew.
Each is charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in prison. Both pleaded not guilty Tuesday and are due back in court for pretrial sentencing in late February.
Feldstein Soto said he needs the public's help in curbing price gouging and asked anyone with tips to contact him at att.pricegougingtaskforce@lacity.org.
Inflation, as defined by the city attorney, is an increase of more than 10% in the prices of goods and services, including housing, shelter, food, water, clothing and essential items such as hygiene and pet care.
Feldstein Soto, Jan. The county's declaration of emergency on 7 said such actions were illegal.
Violations of price gouging are punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Violations are also subject to civil enforcement actions, including civil penalties of up to $2,500, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution.
“I am committed to using every resource at our disposal to help Los Angeles heal, recover and rebuild, which is what we as Angelenos have always done,” he said.
