LOS ANGELES, California — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced charges against 10 individuals for crimes committed during recent wildfires. Nine face felony charges for residential burglaries in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, while another is charged with arson in 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. The charges resulted from a collaboration involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Fire Arson Unit, U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and ATF, according to a press release from the District Attorney’s Office.
Martrell Peoples, age 21, and Damari Bell, age 20, both face charges of first-degree residential burglary and looting, with allegations of stealing property exceeding $200,000. Peoples is on state prison parole, and Bell is on felony probation. Bell also faces two counts of firearm possession by a felon. The Office recommended bail amounts of $1,110,000 for Peoples and $310,000 for Bell. If convicted, Peoples could face life in prison, while Bell could face 22 years and eight months…