State officials announced that another realtor has been charged with allegedly price gouging victims of the deadly wildfires devastating Southern California communities.

On Tuesday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the state is filing charges against a real estate agent, who was not named, alleging that they attempted to price gouge a family who was evacuated due to the Los Angeles Eaton Fire. 

Bonta said that an investigation revealed that after being evacuated in the Eaton fire, the family began searching for rentals through their real estate agent and inquired about renting a Glendale home. 

Prosecutors say the realtor offered the family a rental home in Glendale, but that the rent was more than 50% higher than the pre-fire rent price.

Flames and smoke rise from structures as the Palisades fire burns during a windstorm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 8, 2025.  (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)

“May this announcement serve as a stern warning to those who would seek to further victimize people who have lost everything in the face of Southern California’s wildfires: We won’t stop until the price gouging does,” Bonta added.

Bonta’s office said any violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. 

Those found in violation of price gouging are also subject to civil enforcement actions, including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution.

Last week, Bonta’s office reported another real estate agent was charged for similar alleged price gouging, when a couple applied to rent a home, but after the application was received, they were informed that the price increased by 38%.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of price gouging is encouraged to report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires.