Increased Arrests for Arson During Los Angeles Wildfire Crisis

January 17, 2025 TruthUSA

“We will not stand by while individuals take advantage of this tragedy by committing atrocious acts of arson or looting,” stated District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

LOS ANGELES—As the city remains under a state of emergency due to ongoing wildfires and severe weather conditions, more arson suspects were apprehended and charged on January 16.

Efforts continue to combat two significant wildfires, known as the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, which have tragically resulted in at least 25 fatalities and the destruction of over 12,300 structures.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced felony charges against two suspects for allegedly igniting smaller fires—one on January 11 in the City of Industry and another on January 12 in Irwindale. Both locations are in the eastern part of Los Angeles County, outside the areas currently affected by active wildfires.

“While emergency responders and community members are working diligently to protect lives and property, we will not accept individuals who exploit this crisis through heinous acts of arson or looting,” Hochman remarked in a statement.

He added that his office intends to apply “relentless pressure on those who jeopardize the safety and security of our community.”

One of the suspects, Jaime Mota, 37, is charged with one count of felony arson of property and one count of felony arson during a state of emergency. If found guilty, Mota could face a maximum of seven years in prison.

Mota is accused of igniting a fire at the rear of a warehouse and shipping yard in the City of Industry, causing nearby bushes, piles of pallets, and a part of a tractor-trailer to catch fire, according to the district attorney’s office.

The other suspect, Ruben Michael Montes, 27, faces charges including one count of felony arson during a state of emergency and one count of felony possession, manufacturing, or disposal of combustible materials or explosives intended for arson. If convicted, Montes could receive up to 14 years behind bars.

Montes allegedly started a fire at the underpass of the I-605 freeway and Rivergrade Road in Irwindale.

The district attorney’s office emphasized that these charges, alongside previous ones, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting the public and holding offenders accountable.

“Let this serve as a warning to anyone considering similar acts—you will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” Hochman declared.

LAPD Arrests

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell also reported the arrests of two additional arson suspects at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

According to McDonnell, these arrests took place at 5:15 PM and 9:30 PM the prior day, occurring outside the active fire zones.

In one instance, a suspect who allegedly set fire to a tree was apprehended by a resident before officers arrived. McDonnell noted that during the inquiry, “the suspect confessed to starting the fire because he enjoyed the scent of burning leaves.”

In another case, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to complaints of a suspect igniting piles of debris and rubbish. “The suspect admitted to setting multiple fires that day and stated that she took pleasure in causing chaos and destruction,” McDonnell explained.

Three additional arrests were made on previous days in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles, all involving individuals accused of starting smaller fires, as reported by McDonnell.