Wed Feb 05 04:50:00 UTC 2025: **Los Angeles Prosecutors Claim Retaliation for Supporting Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing**
LOS ANGELES (NBC News) — Two Los Angeles County prosecutors, Nancy Theberge and Brock Lunsford, have filed government claims alleging they were demoted and retaliated against for their support of the Menendez brothers’ resentencing. The claims, filed Monday, state that their transfers from the district attorney’s resentencing unit were due to their work on the case and their perceived political affiliation with former District Attorney George Gascón.
Theberge’s claim further alleges age and gender discrimination, citing disparate treatment compared to younger male colleagues. Both prosecutors co-authored a memorandum advocating for the resentencing, a position that reportedly met resistance from the new District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, who was elected in November. Following the election, Theberge was transferred to a lower position in the Alternative Public Defender’s Office, while Lunsford was stripped of supervisory responsibilities.
The prosecutors’ attorney, Justin Shegerian, argues that his clients were punished for following the law and supporting Gascón, Hochman’s political opponent. The claims seek over $5 million in damages each. The District Attorney’s office has declined to comment.
The Menendez brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, are currently serving life sentences without parole. Their lawyers are seeking a reduction to 50 years to life, a move previously endorsed by Gascón. Hochman has stated he is still reviewing the case. The renewed public interest in the case stems from recent Netflix documentaries and a series about the brothers. A judge will ultimately decide whether their sentences will be reduced.
First Piper 