A Los Angeles man is facing over a decade behind bars after being charged with a brazen break-in at L.A. Mayor Karen Bass' official residence while her family was inside, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office said Monday.
Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29, is accused of shattering a rear glass door at the Getty House on April 21 and causing thousands in damages, according to a press release from District Attorney George Gascón's office. The alleged intruder, who reportedly left his blood at the scene, could be slapped with 13 years and four months in prison if convicted on all counts.
"I’m profoundly relieved that Mayor Karen Bass and her family emerged unharmed in this recent home break-in," Gascón stated. "The safety and security of all residents, including public officials, remain paramount in our community."
The DA's announcement detailed that Hunter has been charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present and one felony count of vandalism. During his arraignment, Hunter pled not guilty and his preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 6. Hunter remains jailed instead of $100,000 bail.
Los Angeles police investigating the incident said the break-in triggered at least $5,000 worth of damage to the property. Mayor Bass, her grandchild, as well as her daughter and son-in-law, were reportedly present during the unsettling occurrence. The case continues to be under investigation by the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division.
