Prosecutors Sue DA Hochman Over Demotions

Two Los Angeles County prosecutors, Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford, have filed lawsuits against District Attorney Nathan Hochman, claiming they were demoted due to their support for the resentencing of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. The lawsuits, filed in California's Superior Court, allege retaliation, harassment, defamation, and violations of state labor laws, seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The prosecutors argue their actions were grounded in legal duty and integrity, and they were retaliated against after supporting former District Attorney George Gascón's motion to reduce the brothers' sentences. Hochman, who opposes the resentencing citing the brothers' lack of remorse, is accused of retaliatory behavior including transferring Theberge to the Alternate Public Defender's Office and demoting Lunsford. The Menendez brothers claim they acted in self-defense due to years of abuse, a point supported by new evidence cited by Gascón. Hochman's office has not commented on the pending litigation.