Two Los Angeles County prosecutors who supported the resentencing of the Menendez brothers are claiming they faced retaliation from the new Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman. Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford are seeking $5.25 million each in damages, alleging that their careers suffered due to department transfers at the end of last year.
The pair, who worked under former DA George Gascón, publicly advocated for the Menendez brothers' resentencing. They drafted a petition arguing for the brothers' rehabilitation and appeared at a press conference where Gascón announced plans for resentencing. Following Hochman's election, Theberge and Lunsford were swiftly demoted, which they believe was in retaliation for their advocacy.
Lunsford was reassigned as a calendar attorney with no room for advancement, while Theberge was sent back to the alternate public defender’s office, seen as a demotion. They claim their reassignments were discriminatory.
The Menendez family expressed support for Theberge and Lunsford, highlighting concerns about political influences affecting justice. Hochman has yet to announce his stance on the case but stated he would review it thoroughly. The Menendez brothers' resentencing hearing is set for March 20.
The defense in the Menendez case argued self-defense due to alleged years of abuse, while prosecutors claimed financial motives. The prosecutors' attorney alleged politically motivated retaliation, stating that Theberge and Lunsford faced illegal and devastating harassment for following the law in advocating for resentencing.
