T
he California Attorney General's Office has filed charges against a second Southern California real estate agent accused of price-gouging in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. Lar Sevan Chouljian is charged with one misdemeanor count of price gouging for allegedly raising the rental price of a Glendale home by more than 50% following the state emergency declaration.
According to prosecutors, a family that was evacuated during the fire inquired about renting a home in Glendale, but Chouljian offered them a rental price exceeding the list price by over 50%. The Attorney General's Office is urging anyone who suspects cases of price gouging to report it at oag.ca.gov/report or by calling 800-952-5225.
A conviction for price gouging can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. This case follows the charging of another real estate agent last week with price gouging for allegedly raising the rental price of a La Cañada Flintridge home by 38% after the fire.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "In the face of natural disaster, we should be coming together to help our neighbors, not attempting to profit off their pain." Chouljian is due to be arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court on March 4.
