LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that two more individuals have been charged in connection with the ongoing wildfires — bringing the total number of individuals charged in fire-related cases to 25. These latest cases include felony charges of first-degree residential burglary and attempt to burn in Santa Monica and Brentwood.
“As I have stated from the beginning of this wildfire crisis, for those who commit crimes from looting to arson to impersonation of firefighters to price gouging to financials scams, justice will be swift and significant,” District Attorney Hochman said. “You will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the full extent of the law. Targeting victims of these fires at their lowest moment is despicable and shameful, and this Office will do everything in its power to support the victims and bring their victimizers to justice.”
Ivan Ruiz (DOB 2/3/1989) of Moreno Valley is charged with one count of felony first-degree residential burglary and one count of felony looting during an emergency or evacuation: 2nd degree burglary in case 25ARCF00131. It is further alleged that Ruiz carried out the offense with planning, sophistication, and professionalism within the California Rules of Court; has had prior convictions; and had served in prison and county jail.
Ruiz pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Jan. 22 and his preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Feb. 7, Dept. 31 of the Airport Courthouse. He is being held on $100,000 bail. If convicted as charged, he faces six years in prison.
On Jan. 20, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Ruiz allegedly broke into a detached garage with living quarters above it in the 100 block of Mabery Road in Santa Monica. The property was located within an evacuation zone during a state of emergency, and Ruiz is accused of stealing items from the premises.
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Christopher Reimers (DOB 9/1/1970) of Los Angeles is charged with one count of felony attempt to burn in case 25ARCF00136. He faces aggravating circumstances of increasing seriousness of prior convictions and having a prior county jail or prison term.
Reimers is being held on $75,000 bail. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Jan. 22 and his 1368 PC report/nonappearance is set for Dept. 30 of the Airport Courthouse. If convicted as charged, he faces three years in prison.
On Jan. 18, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Reimers allegedly used a butane torch to ignite a brown bag filled with plastic and paper. He allegedly placed a flannel shirt over the burning bag and positioned it beneath a USPS mailbox at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Montana Avenue in Brentwood.
Source: Press Release