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Two More Men Charged with Felony Arson as Southern California Battles Fires and Looting
Charlie Kirk Staff
01/15/2025
Authorities in Los Angeles have filed felony arson charges against two men in separate cases as Southern California grapples with destructive wildfires, looting, and intentional fire-setting.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office revealed that the incidents occurred over the weekend in different parts of the county. Jaime Mota, 37, is accused of igniting wooden pallets behind a shipping yard in the City of Industry on Saturday afternoon. The fire spread to a nearby tractor-trailer and surrounding brush, causing extensive damage, Fox reports. Mota is being held on $350,000 bail and could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
In another case, Ruben Michael Montes, 27, allegedly set a fire beneath the Interstate 605 overpass at Rivergrade Road in Irwindale. Montes, already on probation, is being held on $400,000 bail and faces up to 14 years in prison if found guilty.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a stern warning to would-be arsonists and looters. “We owe it to the victims of these fires, as well as the brave first responders risking their lives, to ensure justice is served,” he said. “Let this be a message to anyone contemplating similar acts — you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Hochman highlighted that his office has also recently charged 10 other individuals with crimes related to looting and arson. “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,” he added.
On Tuesday, Hochman and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer urged Governor Gavin Newsom to classify looting as a felony, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed during the ongoing disaster.
Citizens have also taken action against suspected arsonists. Last week, Chicago Fire actor Brian J. White joined neighbors in conducting a citizen’s arrest on an illegal immigrant reportedly carrying a blowtorch through their neighborhood.
In Azusa, another incident unfolded when a homeless man was seen setting a brush fire in a park near residential homes. Neighbors verbally confronted him until police arrived to detain him. “Azusa PD urges everyone to remain alert as fires continue to affect the county,” said Capt. Rob Landeros. “We must be cautious of individuals who may enter our community with the intent to start fires.”
Firefighters managed to extinguish the park fire quickly, according to authorities. Meanwhile, Jim McDonnell, a local law enforcement officer, told a news outlet that one suspected arsonist claimed he “liked the smell of burning leaves.”
Over the past week, wildfires in Los Angeles County have claimed at least 24 lives, with officials warning that the death toll is likely to rise. Fire crews and law enforcement continue to battle the dual threats of natural disaster and criminal activity in the region.
