Lawmakers to strengthen penalties for looting, impersonating emergency personnel during disasters

A coalition of state lawmakers has introduced legislation that would strengthen penalties for looting and impersonating emergency personnel during emergencies. This comes after last month’s devastating Southern California wildfires, which put a spotlight on post-disaster crimes.

Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) and Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) announced the bipartisan legislation, Assembly Bill 469, at a press conference Monday morning alongside Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and other elected officials.

AB 469 would provide law enforcement with better tools to crack down on looting and impersonation of first responders, according to DA Hochman’s office. It would also allow prosecutors to seek stronger penalties for such crimes, close existing loopholes that can hinder prosecution and better protect communities during the recovery and rebuilding process.

Under AB 469, prosecutors would also be allowed to seek felony charges for crimes related to theft from fire-damaged or evacuated homes.

“From the very beginning of the Los Angeles County wildfires, I have made it clear: our office has zero tolerance for the despicable crimes of those seeking to exploit this crisis like looting, arson, price gouging, impersonating first responders and financial scams,” Hochman’s office said in a statement. “We will arrest these criminals, prosecute them, and then seek maximum sentences of prison or jail.”

Last month’s devastating and deadly wildfires “highlighted the need for stronger protections” especially since they led directly to historic price gouging, insurance scams and the brazen impersonation of emergency workers. In one instance, a couple from Oregon allegedly bought a fake fire engine and drove thousands of miles just to loot from the Palisades Fire zone. In the latter case, Dustin and Jennifer Nehl are facing misdemeanor charges.