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A woman wearing a “Palisades Strong” T-shirt who started an online fundraiser for wildfire victims was caught looting antiques from a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire, according to cops.
Karen Mastey — an activist who started a Facebook group called Palisades Fire Meeting Place to help victims — was busted after California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers discovered more than 20 items stolen from a burnt-down home on Saturday, police said.
The thief had fled by the time cops got there — but Masley was busted after the victim gave a detailed description of both the crook and her vehicle, police said.
Mastey “was observed looting a burned-down residence that had been severely impacted by the recent fires” — and “was found in possession of antique items stolen from the residence,” police alleged.
Mastey was pictured in handcuffs by a squad car — wearing a black T-shirt with “Palisades Strong” written on it as she was booked on charges of grand theft.
Mastey’s Facebook account shows that she claimed to be an activist for the victims of the Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures.
On Jan. 9, she launched a Facebook group called Palisades Fire Meeting Place and solicited donations.
“I haven’t even processed the complete devastation and loss yet, but through the tears I am working on organizing a donation event when the area is deemed ‘safe.’ See info in the group post,” she posted.
In another Facebook post days later Mastey posed in front of fire-ravaged homes she said were close to her family’s property.
“My heart is broken for everyone. The small glimmer of hope is that there are some treasures to be found in the ashes,” she wrote.
Mastey claimed to have grown up in Pacific Palisades in a GoFundMe she started for the victims.
“I’m trying to raise funds for my brother and friends of the Palisades that have owned their homes for over 40 years and are now retired,” she posted on the campaign page.
“I want to help the people who have supported their community for decades to build their homes back and not be forced to move out of their beloved town because newer and richer developers want to move in.”
California lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make looting in the areas affected by wildfires a felony rather than a misdemeanor and increase prison sentences for those caught and convicted, according to ABC 7.
