Two Suspects In Eaton Fire Looting Case Set For Court Hearing

Two suspects charged with looting homes during the devastating Eaton fire are scheduled for a court hearing Wednesday morning in Pasadena Superior Court.

Lucia Jilrara Perez, 36, and Rudy Salazar, 19, will appear at 8:30 a.m. in Department F at the Pasadena Courthouse, 300 E. Walnut St. Both face two counts each of first-degree residential burglary.

The defendants previously pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Jan. 10, 2025.

Prosecutors allege the pair entered two evacuated homes in Altadena on Jan. 8 and stole property during the wildfire while mandatory evacuation orders were in effect at approximately 2:30 p.m. The defendants were apprehended while allegedly attempting to enter a third residence.

If convicted, each faces up to six years in state prison for each burglary count. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.

The charges are part of a broader crackdown on looting during the wildfires. Nine individuals total have been charged with felony residential burglary for incidents in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has emphasized the severity of crimes committed during emergencies.

“Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” Hochman said at a Jan. 13, 2025, news conference.

“Do not go ahead and engage in looting, engage in internet scams, engage in price gouging, do not violate evacuation orders. Do not commit any of these crimes in which people are trying to profit from the tragedy,” Hochman said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported a 250% rise in arrests, primarily related to theft, since the Eaton Fire. Authorities intensified their presence in affected areas, deploying extra deputies, helicopter flyovers, drones and National Guard assistance.

“These curfews are in place to protect residents and ensure public safety. Anyone who violates them will face serious consequences. Our office is fully committed to getting these criminals off the streets and putting them on alert: We will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness,” Hochman said.

The charges against the two are allegations, and both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.