Prosecutors File Suit Against New DA Amid Claims of Retaliation Over Menendez Brothers Case

Prosecutors File Suit Against New DA Amid Claims of Retaliation Over Menendez Brothers Case

Two prosecutors from Los Angeles County, who advocated for the resentencing of the Menendez brothers, are taking legal action against District Attorney Nathan Hochman. They allege that their demotions and reassignments were retaliatory actions prompted by their public support for the brothers’ release from prison.

Claims of Retaliation and Demotion

Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford seek $5.25 million each in damages, asserting that their careers and reputations have suffered due to their department transfers at the end of last year. Both prosecutors worked under former DA George Gascón, who lost re-election in November and had openly endorsed the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez.

Last October, Theberge and Lunsford were instrumental in drafting a pivotal 57-page petition that argued the rehabilitation of the Menendez brothers. They appeared at a press conference on October 24, where Gascón announced his intention to request a court to reconsider their sentences.

Swift Repercussions Following Leadership Change

After Hochman’s appointment, the two prosecutors claim to have experienced immediate and severe retaliation. Justin Shegerian, the attorney representing Theberge and Lunsford, stated, “They were demoted only a couple weeks after the new administration came into office.” This change was especially significant for them, as it happened right after they had publicly supported the brothers’ resentencing.

Currently, Lunsford has been stripped of all supervisory responsibilities and reassigned to a role he last held years ago, while Theberge has returned to the alternate public defender’s office—a move classified as a clear demotion in their legal filings.

Allegations of Discrimination

According to the Los Angeles Times, staffing changes are typical following a new DA’s election, but Theberge and Lunsford maintain that their reassignments were rooted in discrimination. The Menendez family has expressed their support for the two prosecutors, voicing their concerns regarding the implications of political influences on justice.

The Menendez family issued a statement asserting, “The decision to remove these dedicated prosecutors from the case underscores exactly what we feared—that political influences might overshadow justice.” They highlighted concerns that Hochman, who campaigned on an anti-politics platform, might not uphold that promise.

Looking Ahead: The Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Hearing

As the legal drama unfolds, District Attorney Hochman has yet to indicate whether he will support the petitions filed by his predecessor. Hochman assured the public that he would thoroughly review the case details in preparation for the hearing.

The infamous Menendez brothers case dates back to 1989 when Lyle and Erik Menendez fatally shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. During their trial, the defense claimed self-defense due to years of alleged abuse, while prosecutors argued their motive was financial.

The resentencing hearing is scheduled to commence on March 20, providing an opportunity for the court to reconsider the brothers’ sentences in light of new developments.

Political Motivations and Future Implications

Shegerian has alleged that Theberge and Lunsford’s recent experiences highlight a politically motivated scheme aimed at silencing advocates for justice. He emphasized, “Nancy and Brock are accomplished attorneys who believed in the law they followed by advocating for the resentencing of the Menendez brothers. The harassment that followed was politically motivated, illegal, and devastating for their careers.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for further comments on this matter but has not yet received a response.