A woman wearing a t-shirt in support of Palisades Fire victims, and who appeared to run an online fundraiser for them, was arrested Friday on suspicion of looting the destroyed homes of one of those same victims.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a looting report came in at about 1 p.m. Friday at a burned-down home in the Pacific Palisades, but upon arrival, officers were unable to find a suspect but the victim was able to provide a detailed description of a woman and her vehicle.
The investigation traced the registration of that vehicle to a home in Valencia. Officers responded to the home and made contact with a woman who was in possession of antique items that were stolen from the destroyed home.
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Karen Mastey was arrested on suspicion of Grand Theft after she was caught allegedly stealing from a burned-down home in the Pacific Palisades. (CHP Southern Division) -
Karen Mastey was arrested on suspicion of Grand Theft after she was caught allegedly stealing from a burned-down home in the Pacific Palisades. (CHP Southern Division) -
Karen Mastey was arrested on suspicion of Grand Theft after she was caught allegedly stealing from a burned-down home in the Pacific Palisades. (CHP Southern Division)
That woman, identified as Karen Mastey, was arrested on suspicion of Grand Theft. Photos released by the CHP showed Mastey, with her face blurred in compliance with California Law, wearing a shirt that says “Palisades Strong.”
Mastey appears to be the organizer of an online fundraiser designed to raise money for families affected by the fires. In the post’s description, she claimed to be “born and raised” in the Pacific Palisades from the 1970s through the 90s.
She said that her brother’s home burned down in the fire, as well as the homes of several friends.
“100% of funds will be used for non-disaster related expenses for families who lost literally everything from their homes of over 40 years,” the posting reads.
When asked about the fundraiser, the CHP told KTLA that the investigation was ongoing. As of noon on Saturday, it had raised $250 of its $18,000 goal.
The CHP said Mastey’s current address is in Valencia, and was not part of the fires. When asked if the looting victim was possibly a family member or friend on Mastey, the CHP said the victim does not know her, and did not grant her permission to enter the property.
“I am incredibly proud of the swift action taken by our officers to protect the public and prevent further harm,” said CHP Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris. “Their commitment to serving and assisting those in need during this challenging period reflects the highest standards of the CHP.”
It wasn’t immediately clear if Mastey would face charges for the offense, but state lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would make penalties harsher for looters during a time of emergency. If passed, the bill would allow prosecutors to seek felony charges for theft occuring at fire-damaged or evacuated homes.
