District Attorney puts looters and price gougers on notice

SANTA ROSA » Prosecutors are vowing to come down hard on looters and price gougers looking to take advantage of fire-ravaged Sonoma County.

“Please be advised that any looters who are apprehended will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” District Attorney Jill Ravitch said in a news release Tuesday.

“We understand that most people are providing comfort and support to those who have lost much, and those who still do not know their fate,” she continued. “But those who think this is a time to take advantage of homes that

“We understand thatmost people are providing comfort and support to thosewho have lostmuch, and thosewho still do not know their fate, but thosewho think this is a time totake advantage of homes that have been evacuated should think again.” — Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch

have been evacuated should think again.”

Santa Rosa has issued an emergency proclamation establishing a mandatory curfew from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. in mandatory evacuation areas. A violation of the curfew is a misdemeanor.

Prosecutors also urged the community to be on the lookout for vendors who price gouge or offer any products or services for more than 10 percent of pre- emergency prices. Price gouging can be reported through the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office website.