Stronger Penalties Now in Place for Disaster Looting & Emergency Impersonation

A new set of public safety laws strongly supported by Ventura County District  Attorney Erik Nasarenko have taken effect in 2026, strengthening penalties for looting and the  impersonation of emergency personnel during declared emergencies. 

“Ventura County is no stranger to disaster, and our residents know firsthand how devastating these  events can be,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “When families are evacuating from a dangerous  fire and first responders are risking their lives, we can’t have criminals exploiting the chaos and  devastation. These new laws will allow us to crack down on looters and criminal impersonators.” 

Governor Gavin Newsom signed companion legislation in Assembly Bill 468 and Senate Bill 571  into law in October. AB 468, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, strengthens penalties  for looting during declared emergencies and extends protections into the recovery and rebuilding  phase following disasters. SB 571 reinforces penalties for individuals who impersonate firefighters, law enforcement officers, or other officials during emergencies. 

“Individuals who put our firefighters at risk and prey on communities when they are at their most  vulnerable must be held accountable. Looters – particularly those who impersonate emergency  personnel – create chaos and confusion, endanger residents and first responders, and victimize  

communities that already have suffered unimaginable harm,” said Assemblymember Jesse  Gabriel. “I am proud this year to have joined efforts with firefighters, police, and first responders  across California who bravely risk their lives to protect our communities, to craft better tools to  crack down on looting and impersonation.” 

These measures were introduced in response to widespread looting and impersonation crimes  following the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles County, where impacted communities were victimized  at a time of extreme vulnerability.