A La Cañada Flintridge real estate agent is facing criminal charges for allegedly raising the price of his rental property by 38% following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, California. Gen. Rob Bonta said Wednesday.

"May this announcement serve as a stern warning to those who seek to further harm those who have everything to lose," Bonta said in a press release. "The Department of Justice is aggressively and relentlessly pursuing those who seek to make a quick buck off the pain of others. "

A couple who lost their home in the Eaton fire tried to rent a home in La Canada Flintridge from real estate agent Mike Corbisi, according to a Department of Justice investigation. But the investigation found that after receiving the application, the couple were told the price had increased by 38 per cent. Due to rising house prices, the couple decided not to rent.

California law prohibits raising prices on rental properties and other necessities and services by more than 10% after a natural disaster. The rule will remain in effect until March 8 unless Gov. Gavin Newsom further extends it.

Corbisi could not immediately be reached for comment. Corbisi describes himself on his website as one of La Canada Flintridge's top real estate agents with over 25 years of experience. His company has sold homes in the neighborhood for as much as $11 million, the website said.

The charges filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court are the first allegation of price gouging related to the historic Jan. 7 fire. Violations are subject to criminal prosecution and may result in county jail time of one year and fines of up to $10,000. Civil penalties include fines of up to $2,500 per violation.

The Eaton and Palisades fires destroyed more than 11,000 homes, plunging families into Los Angeles' already tight rental market overnight. Widespread reports of price gouging ensued, with New York Times reporters finding examples of listings whose prices had increased by 60% or more, while activist groups scoured Zillow and other sites, identifying hundreds of possible scenarios and reporting them to A complaint was filed with the authorities.

Bonta has recruited a team of lawyers across the state to review the submissions and issued a slew of statements denouncing price gouging. Los Angeles County District Atty. Nathan Hochman and other local elected officials echoed the call.

Bonta said he has sent more than 500 warning letters to landlords and hoteliers accused of price gouging and announced that his office is conducting more criminal investigations.

“As I have said repeatedly, price gouging must stop,” Bonta said. “Today, we are delivering on our commitment to hold price gougers accountable, with more to come.”