Former Detective Arrested Again After Parole
A former deputy detective from Los Angeles, who was previously sentenced to 102 years for multiple rapes three decades ago, has been arrested again this week. This comes after his release on parole in 2020 in accordance with California law.
Michael Douglas Brambles, now 77, faces charges of kidnapping with the intent to commit robbery while armed. These charges arise from a recent robbery and sexual assault incident, as stated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Brambles has been identified with several serious circumstances tied to the case, including the significant violence involved, the vulnerability of the victim, and indications of premeditation and sophistication in the crime. The district attorney’s office noted that Brambles’s actions posed a substantial danger to the public.
According to reports, Brambles allegedly entered Arabella’s Boutique in Thousand Oaks, California, during closing hours. He pointed a handgun at a woman, forced her into a back room, tied her up, and assaulted her.
In addition, he is suspected of stealing from the boutique before retiring. However, it’s important to note that the sexual assault charge cannot currently proceed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Notably, Brambles was already a suspect early on, but he had been occupied with other robbery and assault charges at that time. He was convicted of numerous offenses, including 18 counts of armed robbery and various sexual assault charges.
The victim’s case had been dismissed after Brambles was sentenced, with the expectation that he would spend the rest of his life behind bars. Yet, he applied for and was granted parole in 2020 under a law allowing elderly inmates to seek early release.
During his parole hearing, Brambles denied any wrongdoing in relation to women outside of the incidents he was previously convicted for in Los Angeles County.
Investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office found out about his release while looking into cold cases, as part of the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. Brambles was taken into custody on Wednesday, with bail set at $2 million.
The victim, identified as SW, expressed her shock upon discovering that Brambles was living freely after serving so little time. She stated, “The justice I and his other victims deserve was denied when he only had to serve a fraction of the sentence he earned.” SW is now looking forward to pursuing justice not only for herself but for others affected as well.
If found guilty, Brambles could face a sentence ranging from 12 years to life.
District Attorney Eric Nasarenko acknowledged SW’s bravery during a recent press conference, stating that her determination plays a crucial role in holding Brambles accountable for his past actions. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to ensuring justice is served, regardless of the time that has passed.
