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
Bryan Kohberger fights $27K restitution for victims’ families while taking money behind bars

Jailhouse Fortune: Court Orders Bryan Kohberger to Compensate Victims’ Families

In a recent disclosure by an Idaho court, it was unveiled that…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's housekeeper, John Wayne Gacy encounter, Brian Walshe case

Unraveling True Crime Mysteries: New Insights into Alex Murdaugh’s Housekeeper, John Wayne Gacy’s Chilling Legacy, & the Brian Walshe Saga

On January 18, 2023, Brian Walshe made an appearance at the Quincy…
Devastating blaze rips through historic Long Island farm

Historic Long Island Farm Succumbs to Devastating Blaze: A Community’s Loss

A fierce blaze engulfed a historic family farm on Long Island, demolishing…
Man pardoned for breaking park law unsure how he reached Trump 'radar'

Park Law Violator Puzzled by Unexpected Pardon from Trump Administration

A trail runner who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for…
Whitesnake's David Coverdale's wife: He wanted to retire 35 years ago

Whitesnake’s David Coverdale Reveals Surprising Retirement Plans from Decades Ago

Cindy Barker is more than ready for her spouse, David Coverdale, to…
Justin Baldoni claims Blake Lively improvised kiss in UNSEEN FOOTAGE

Justin Baldoni Reveals Blake Lively’s Unscripted Kiss in Exclusive Unseen Footage

Unreleased footage from the film “It Ends With Us” has introduced a…
Epstein emails reveals sinister obsession with genes and parenting

Shocking Epstein Emails Uncover Disturbing Fascination with Genetics and Parenting

Jeffrey Epstein’s disturbing fixation on genetics has been unveiled through a new…
Trump's next immigration crackdown will target Charlotte, North Carolina, sheriff says

Charlotte Sheriff Warns of Impending Immigration Crackdown as Trump’s New Policy Targets North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte, North Carolina, is preparing for a possible increase…