LA Fires: Couple charged with impersonating firefighters, DA announces
LOS ANGELES - Charges have been filed against a husband and wife who allegedly tried to gain access to the Palisades Fire zone by impersonating firefighters by wearing firefighting gear and driving a fire truck, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Friday.
Couple charged with impersonating firefighters
What We Know: Hochman announced charges against Dustin Lee Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, both of Oregon, for impersonating firefighters during the LA County wildfires. The couple was charged with fraudulent impersonation of specific fire personnel, unauthorized activities with respect to badges or related matters, and false representation. On January 18, they were detained by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies while attempting to enter an unauthorized evacuation zone in Malibu, wearing fake firefighter gear and claiming to be from the "Roaring River Fire Department" in Oregon, which was found to be a non-existent agency.
Suspicious fire truck spotted
Timeline: On January 17, the Nehls were reportedly in the evacuation zone. On January 18, at approximately 9 a.m., they were detained by deputies after being spotted in a suspicious fire truck. The truck, purchased at an auction, was equipped with turnout gear, helmets, and radios. On January 22, they were arraigned and charged. Jennifer Nehl was released on her own recognizance, while Dustin Nehl's bail was set at $30,000. Both are scheduled for a pretrial hearing on February 11.
What They’re Saying: District Attorney Hochman stated, "Impersonating first responders endangers the safety of our community and the well-being of those who choose to engage in such reckless behavior, especially during a state of emergency." Commander Min Gin of the LA County Sheriff’s Department noted, "This individual purchased the vehicle through an auction and they had been in the area for about a couple of days. The individual had turn-out gears and radios on them as if they were firemen."
Wildfire-related crimes
The Backstory: The Nehls were arrested after an LAPD patrol unit, driving through the Palisades Fire area, noticed a fire truck that did not appear legitimate. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the truck was purchased at an auction and the Nehls were wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under their turnout gear. Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson, though neither has a criminal history in California.
By the Numbers: As of January 24, a total of 25 individuals have been charged in wildfire-related cases in Los Angeles County.
What’s Next: The Nehls are scheduled for a pretrial hearing on February 11 in Department G of the Van Nuys West Courthouse. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 180 days in county jail. The case is being prosecuted by the LADA’s Van Nuys Branch and Area Office and investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact the Major Crimes Bureau.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the office of DA Nathan Hochman and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.