DA Hochman cracking down on crime during LA fires

As firefighters are stretched thin battling the massive Palisades and Eaton fires, newly elected LA County DA Nathan Hochman is cracking down on crime that occurred during the state of emergency. 

On Wednesday, the DA's office said felony charges were filed against two men in connection with two separate arson cases — one in the City of Industry and another in the city of Irwindale.

These cases come on the heels of charges filed against 10 additional individuals for crimes related to looting and arson during the LA wildfires.

Jaime Mota, 37, is charged with one count of felony arson of property and one count of felony arson during a state of emergency. His bail is set at $350,000. If convicted as charged, he faces seven years in prison. 

According to the DA's Office, on Jan. 11 around 2 p.m., Mota lit a fire in the back of a warehouse/shipping yard on Stafford St. in the City of Industry. The fire spread to nearby bushes, stacks of pallets and the back portion of a tractor-trailer became fully engulfed in flames. 

Ruben Michael Montes, 27, is charged with one count each of felony arson during a state of emergency; felony possession, manufacturing, or disposing of flammable or combustible materials, incendiary devices, or explosives with the intent to commit arson; and misdemeanor reckless burning of personal property.

RELATED: 20 people arrested for looting homes of those evacuated in LA fires: Sheriff

Montes also faces allegations of violating probation after committing arson; engaging in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society; and having a history of prior felony convictions, the DA's office said in a statement.

His bail is set at $400,000. If convicted as charged, he faces 14 years in prison. 

RELATED: California wildfires: Azusa arsonist not tied to major fires, officials say

Montes is accused of starting a fire at the 605 freeway underpass and Rivergrade Road in the city of Irwindale on Jan. 12, around 12:30 p.m. 

These charges come as law enforcement announced multiple arrests that were made for crimes related to arson, looting, burglary, and impersonation of a firefighter.

RELATED: LA fires update: Arrests to surpass 100

"The people of Los Angeles County are enduring unprecedented hardship as wildfires ravage our communities, displacing families, destroying homes, and tragically claiming lives," District Attorney Hochman said. 

"While first responders and residents work tirelessly to save lives and property, we will not tolerate individuals who exploit this tragedy by committing heinous acts of arson or looting. My office continues to put relentless pressure on those who threaten the safety and security of our county."

Crime and Public SafetyLos Angeles