Fire Looters
Share and Follow

() Eight more people have been charged with various crimes committed during recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, ranging from arson and looting to impersonating a firefighter.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the new charges on Friday.

“To anyone who believes they can use this disaster as a cover for criminal activity, let this be your warning: You will be caught, and you will be held accountable,” Hochman said in a news release.

Among those charged is Luis Felipe Gudino, 28, accused of felony arson for allegedly igniting a couch behind a South Gate apartment building on Jan. 13. The fire spread to a utility pole, causing significant damage. Gudino, who is being held on $350,000 bail, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Another defendant, Richard Alexander Peterson, 36, is accused of setting fire to a Christmas tree outside a South Gate motel the same day. Peterson, a third-strike offender, faces 25 years to life in prison and is being held on $1.35 million bail.

Fire Looters
In a video shared by the Los Angeles County DA, burglars are seen looting a home inside the Palisades Fire evacuation zone in Los Angeles. January 2025. (LA County DA’s Office)

Omar Lopez, 35, allegedly ignited two fires in Huntington Park on Jan. 14, including one involving a Christmas tree in an apartment courtyard. He has pleaded not guilty and could face nearly nine years in prison if convicted.

Additional cases include Manuel Rodriguez, 35, accused of starting a dumpster fire behind a Brentwood library; Travis Glodt, 34, charged with multiple arsons in Hawthorne; and Leopoldo Reveles, 49, accused of setting trash fires near train tracks in Compton.

Charges also include non-arson crimes. Keyshon Walker, 22, is accused of unlawful possession of ammunition and tools in an evacuation zone. Joshua Love, 29, faces charges for attempted burglary and looting in Santa Monica. Ivan Cedric Reed, 34, is accused of impersonating a firefighter in Malibu while possessing stolen property.

The cases were investigated by local police departments, with bail amounts ranging from $45,000 to over $1 million. Preliminary hearings for the defendants are scheduled throughout the month.

It’s the latest round of charges filed against individuals who have been found inside evacuation zones where the Palisades and Eaton fires left mass destruction in their wakes.

Dozens of people have been arrested for allegedly violating evacuation orders, including many who have been charged with burglary.

Hochman, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and local authorities have vowed to arrest and prosecute looters and others taking advantage of the deadly fires to the fullest extent of the law.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
TV anchor tells how she was pulled off screens after 27 years

Veteran TV Anchor Shares Her Experience of Unexpected Departure After 27 Years on Air

After nearly thirty years as the prominent figure of a California news…
Dave Chappelle stuns audience with Charlie Kirk comment in surprise Netflix comedy special

Dave Chappelle’s Netflix Special Shakes Up Audiences with Bold Charlie Kirk Remarks

Comedian Dave Chappelle has once again addressed the tragic assassination of conservative…
How Eugenie 'wounded' Kate at first Sandringham - body language expert

Body Language Expert Analyzes Initial Tension Between Princess Eugenie and Princess Kate at Sandringham

As the festive season unfolds, the Royal Family upholds its long-standing tradition…
Bill Clinton's sassy Trump comeback after Epstein files release

Bill Clinton’s Sharp Retort to Trump Amidst Epstein File Revelations: A Must-Read Exchange

Former President Bill Clinton offered a cheeky retort aimed at Donald Trump…
Cheater Texas AG breaks cover with his married mistress

Scandal Unveiled: Texas AG’s Secret Affair with Married Mistress Exposed

Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, who is married, has recently…
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Assessing Safety Measures: Are Elite Universities Like Brown and MIT Equipped to Handle Targeted Violence?

Authorities have connected two fatal shootings at prestigious American universities, located within…
Several elephants killed in train crash after impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Lives of Elephants, Causes Major Derailment

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train in northeastern…
NFL news: Chicago Bears stun Green Bay Packers with improbable rally as Caleb Williams finds DJ Moore for winning score in OT

Chicago Bears’ Epic Comeback: Caleb Williams and DJ Moore Secure Overtime Victory Against Packers

In a thrilling display of resilience, the Chicago Bears secured a 22-16…