Posted on 10/27/2007 3:54:44 PM PDT by Baladas
IRVINE, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Saturday pledged to ruthlessly hunt down anyone suspected of setting a fast-moving blaze that has burned 27,600-acres in Santiago, and promised swift punishment for scam artists and looters.
Authorities believe at least two of the wildfires have suspicious origins and are the result of arson.
"If I were one of those people who started the fires I would not sleep soundly," Schwarzenegger said. "We're right behind you -- turn yourself in."
"We know in Orange County this was arson," said Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona. "This was not some random act that took place nor was the fire started by a natural event."
Carona said more than 1,000 tips had already been phoned in from the public.
The total reward now being offered for information in the case is $250,000.
Earlier this week, the governor announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the Santiago fire. In addition, the FBI and ATF each contributed $50,000 and KFI Radio added $10,000.
A white Ford F-150 pickup with chrome running boards has been reported in the area at the time during the early-morning hours of 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the pickup or the driver to call the Orange County Fire Authority Arson Tip Line at 1-800-540-8282.
The governor issued the warning during a news conference Saturday in Irvine Park, a few miles west of the fire lines.
Schwarzenegger said the disaster had brought out the best in Californians with neighbors helping neighbors but also brought out scam artists who prey on victims. He warned looters and insurance fraud scammers against taking advantage of wildfire victims and pledged harsh punishment for those who do.
"We are also going after the scam artists, price gougers, and shady contractors and anyone else going after anyone who preys on people hurt by these fires," he said. "We are as serious about protecting people from cheats and criminals as we are about protecting them from fire."
"If anyone tries to exploit this tragedy I will make sure you will pay for rest of your life," added Schwarzenegger. "We will arrest them and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said law enforcement officials there will "show no mercy" to looters and scam artists. Authorities have so far arrested four people for looting and taken steps to screen evacuees lodging at Qualcomm Stadium.
"In Qualcomm Stadium we had people that were selling the products being donated to victims," said Dumanis, adding that about 1,000 people "bolted" out the stadium when officials announced they were checking IDs.
"People have seen enough, they have anxiety, they have been displaced, they have lost everything they once had," she said. "We will not tolerate anyone who would try and take advantage of people who are down and out."
Orange County deputies have not seen any looters, Carona said, and the department has hundreds of deputies patrolling evacuated areas and escorting residents with lawful needs.
Consumers who want to report scams, insurance fraud or need help finding a licensed contractor can call the state's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-952-5210. The hotline will be open seven days a week.
It is a felony in the state of California for unlicensed contractors to work in a disaster area, the governor reminded. If caught and convicted, they face up to 60 months in prison and a $10,000 in fines.
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said his agency had declared an insurance emergency so that out-of-state appraisers could help expedite insurance claims so victims can be paid as quickly as possible. An insurance fraud task force has also been created, with 100 fraud investigators on the ground working with local law enforcement.
"Unfortunately, it's like clockwork for every natural disaster scam artists from all over the state show up to take advantage of victims," he said.
Consumers are encouraged to report fraud at the Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-927-HELP
Shades of the old "Terminator". SB 777 was a disaster, but Ahhhhnold's handling the wildfire situation almost perfectly - and he's being amusing as well.
Sounds like he is setting the stage for another movie, with him as the star of course.
LOL. Yeah, right. They are either already back in mexico or they are thinking, "What the worse they can do? Put me in jail?"
Unless Arnie's planning to torture them for weeks on end what can California do to get even with them?
With billions in fire related damages and a number of people killed by the fires, there’s no just punishment other than making sure the perp never gets a chance to do it again. And the death penalty couldn’t come fast enough for this one.
I doubt that it’s the first time they’ve done it and got away with it. The are probably thinking, “Yeah, right, Arnold.”
Ummmmm, did you know Arnold’s one of us? Might want to use your great wit to go after Hillary...
You illegal immigrants can sleep soundly though, maybe the government can buy you some extra blankets. There is no amount of billions you can steal from CA taxpayers before I get upset, I’m crazy-rich you know.
I have come to your country, pillaged your women, taken a Kennedy as my prize and now rul CALl - EE - FOR - KNEE - YA.
“Come with me if you want to live.”
“Ummmmm, did you know Arnold’s one of us?”
You mean a RINO?
He certainly got away with it whether he gets jailed or not. He should spend 600 years breaking rocks for the damage done to So Cal, but the most they will get from him is nice lethal injection or life in prison 20 to 30 years at the most. These guys usually win no matter what.
Butt, he has more of a flair for the mellodramatic than he does for being a good Goobinator, or even a good Repellican, for that matter... Phhhhhhhhhhhhhht!!!
Thank Goodness he's at least not charging us taxpayers a Goobinator's salary!!!
Are you serious? Absurd is the word!!!
your to nice. I say tie the bastards that did this to trees and blow torch them ‘till well done.
Okay. Absurdly amusing or amusingly absurd, then. All the tough talk sound like he’s back on the set, not just some RINO married to a Kennedy.
Yep. And if you don't think so, he'll issue a report that says so!
"Of course, after this, we're going to go and analyze everythingRegardless, he did a good job at today's press conference.
- how perfect of a job we have done," the governor said.
[quote from yesterday--AP]
l.o.l.
Heeeahh me now, buhleeve me laydah!
If I was Governor I would call a special session of the legislature. Purpose: pass a bill making these types of arsons capital murder level crimes—attempted mass murder. Pre-meditated.
Cuz that is what it is. Let the democrat legislators explain otherwise; why such a perp should ever be released, or for that matter keep on breathing.
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