LA District Attorney Issues Warning Over Riot Violence
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman delivered a stern message on Wednesday regarding the recent riots. He stated, “We will track you down. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you.” This warning came as he, along with LA Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, announced felony charges against several individuals accused of attacking police, looting, and vandalizing property.
Hochman indicated that more arrests and charges are anticipated in the coming days, emphasizing the extensive video evidence collected from social media platforms. He pointedly remarked, “You will know who you are.”
During the press conference, multiple criminal cases were highlighted. Juan Rodriguez from Gardena, for instance, allegedly distributed commercial-grade fireworks, injuring LAPD officers. He faces a potential sentence of over six years in prison.
Additionally, Randy Paul Lewis and Georgina Lava Yelo are accused of pushing a motorcycle into the police line, causing injuries, with similar charges of felony level that could lead to prison time exceeding six years for both.
In another instance, Timmy Paulk and Raven Mitchell were charged for allegedly looting a Nike store in downtown, potentially facing up to three years in prison.
Ulysses Sanchez, identified as a three-strike felon, was charged with assault and illegal possession of a firearm after driving recklessly downtown and injuring a bystander. His sentence could reach 25 years to life.
Christopher Gonzalez and Joselyn Johnson faced felony vandalism charges after reportedly spraying graffiti on the Hall of Justice. According to deputies, evidence such as paint buckets and a large roller pole were found in their vehicle.
Sheriff Luna noted, “These are not protesters. We are talking about individuals who disregard the relevant issues.” He praised Hochman for the prompt legal actions and assigned a special prosecutor for crimes against law enforcement, seeking potential federal charges for certain suspects.
Chief McDonnell discussed the dangers faced by officers during these events, revealing that they had come under attack from fireworks and even Molotov cocktails. “When commercial-grade fireworks are used as weapons, it crosses the line from protest to felony,” he stated. “If you assault a peace officer in this city or this county, you will be held accountable.”
Finally, Sheriff Luna reaffirmed their commitment to support peaceful protest activities but warned that violence against officers and destruction in the community would not be tolerated.
