Ventura County's DA And Other Elected Officials Back Effort To Get Tougher On Those Who Take Advantage Of Disasters

Monday February 10, 2025

(Photo courtesy VCDA)

     Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko joined other law enforcement officials and state and local legislators backing proposed legislation aimed at getting tougher on those who take advantage of a disaster to commit crimes.

     Assembly Bill AB 469 would enhance penalties "for those who exploit emergencies for personal gain, close existing legal loopholes that hinder prosecution, and strengthen protections for communities during the recovery and rebuilding process."

     The legislation was born out of the ashes of the recent series of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

     Specifically, it would allow those who commit crimes like looting or impersonating first responders and other emergency and utility personnel to be prosecuted with much harsher penalties if convicted.

     The enhancements would not only cover crimes committed during the immediate disaster but also during the recovery and rebuilding process.

    And if someone is caught committing these crimes they would be arrested and taken into custody not cited and released.