New Sheriff in Town: Nathan Hochman Takes Charge in LA County

Meet Nathan Hochman, the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney. He's not your typical politician. With a background as a federal prosecutor, Hochman campaigned on a unique approach to fighting crime, which he called a "hard middle path. " In a landslide victory, he ousted the previous DA, George Gascón, who was known for his progressive policies. Hochman's got big plans. He aims to tackle crime head-on, focusing on individual cases and doling out punishment based on the severity of the crime. He believes this will stop the county from becoming a hotbed of criminal activity without resorting to mass incarceration. Gascón's policies, such as limiting extra-long sentences and not seeking the death penalty, were criticized for contributing to rising crime rates. Hochman, however, isn't interested in playing politics. He wants to focus on the facts and the law, plain and simple. Hochman's blueprint for justice includes restoring public safety and ensuring that the DA's office is fair and effective. He's looking to boost morale in the office, which he says has plummeted under Gascón's leadership. Hochman wants to make the LA County DA's office the "gold standard" once again. His first big challenge? The Menendez brothers' case. After 35 years, the brothers are seeking release based on new evidence of abuse. Hochman will review the case before any decisions are made. Governor Newsom has acknowledged Hochman's role, delaying any clemency decisions until Hochman has reviewed the case. It's clear that Hochman will have his work cut out for him, but he's not shying away from the challenge.