We’re just as confused as you are. How is it possible that looting during emergencies—when families are at their most vulnerable—isn’t automatically classified as a felony in California?
As wildfires rage and displace countless residents, some criminals take advantage of these tragedies, preying on those who have already lost so much. This is an outrage that calls for immediate action.
District Attorneys Nathan Hochman of Los Angeles County and Todd Spitzer of Orange County are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to expand the state’s legislative special session to tackle this issue.
Their proposal?
Make looting during a local emergency a felony, subject to state prison time and counted as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
During emergencies, looting isn’t just theft—it’s a despicable act that multiplies the trauma of those already suffering unimaginable loss. “How is it that during the darkest hours of a person’s life, as they flee wildfires, we allow criminals to circle like vultures, picking through the ashes to steal what little remains?” Hochman asked. “There is a special place in jail for those who exploit the vulnerable in the wake of deadly fires.”
According to several media reports, the District Attorneys are proposing various changes to current law:
- A New Felony Offense: Creating “trespass with intent to commit larceny” as a felony.
- Eliminating Catch-and-Release: Requiring anyone arrested for looting to appear before a judge rather than be “cited and released,” as current law allows.
- Ineligible for Diversion: Ensuring looters cannot have their crimes erased from their records through diversion programs.
- Enhanced Sentencing: Adding years to felony sentences for crimes committed during emergencies.
California’s wildfires are devastating enough without the added horror of looting.
We return to our initial comment: how is looting not an automatic felony?
Vulnerable families fleeing disasters deserve our support—not the fear of being victimized again. Let’s hope the legislature acts swiftly to close this loophole and deliver justice.
You Can Read More Here:
Fox News: https://www.foxla.com/news/california-looting-emergency-felony
