Jonathan Hatami, Prosecutor Known for High-Profile Child Abuse Cases, to Run for LA District Attorney

Hatami, a prosecutor in the Complex Child Abuse Unit at the Hall of Justice in downtown LA, has been vocal in his opposition to DA George Gascón’s policies

Jonathan Hatami, a prosecutor in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, announced on Wednesday his candidacy for the district attorney position in the 2024 election. Hatami, who has prosecuted several high-profile cases against the parents of tortured and murdered children, promised “truth and justice over politics” on his campaign website and in a video announcing his bid for office.

In his announcement video, Hatami criticized the current District Attorney George Gascón for his policies, stating that “in the midst of our public safety crisis, I’ve seen the failures of our elected leaders who promised to do better but only end up making things worse.”

Hatami, a prosecutor in the Complex Child Abuse Unit at the Hall of Justice in downtown LA, has been vocal in his opposition to Gascón’s policies, which have drawn criticism from various groups. In 2020, Gascón ordered Hatami to remove charges against a parent accused of torturing and murdering her young daughter, which Hatami publicly criticized.
Gascón, a criminal justice reformer who opposes the death penalty and over-incarceration of people of color, narrowly defeated incumbent Jackie Lacey in the 2020 election. However, he has faced two failed recall petitions in 2021 and 2022 for being perceived as soft on crime.

Hatami, a child abuse survivor, says that personal experiences prompted him to dedicate his life to helping abused and neglected children. He has worked on thousands of domestic violence, hate crime, and complex homicide cases, as well as physical and sexual abuse cases involving children. Hatami was a prosecutor in the trial against the mother of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez and her boyfriend, both of whom are now serving prison time for torture and murder.

If elected, Hatami says he plans to prioritize public safety with the implementation of strategies to prevent crime, maintain peace, hold violent offenders accountable, and establish a path to success for low-level offenders. He is a graduate of California State University-Northridge and the University of Nebraska law school, and he served as a deputy district attorney in various locations before being selected to serve in the country’s first Complex Child Abuse unit in LA’s Hall of Justice in 2016.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Bowls Club Marks 80th Anniversary

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The club’s green, destroyed by heavy rains in 1982, was rebuilt in 1983 and continues to thrive as a hub...

County Releases Animated Film on School Policing Impact

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The initiative stems from 2023 reports exposing racial disparities in school policing. A study by the LA County Office of...

California and Denmark Sign Partnership to Advance Climate and Technology Goals

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The partnership focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, strengthening digital and cyber resilience, and promoting innovation California and Denmark...

LAPD Seeks Public’s Help in Finding Two Abducted Children

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Police are urging anyone with information about the children’s whereabouts to contact Lieutenant Ku at the Olympic Division at (213)...

LA General Medical Seeks Help Identifying Patient

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The patient is approximately 56 years old, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 121 pounds, and has black and...

Santa Monica Place Hosts Weekly Western Wednesday Line Dancing

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

No prior dance experience is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and comfortable shoes Santa Monica Place will...

Santa Monica Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest, Hospitalization

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Bystanders restrained the pedestrian until officers arrived A pedestrian was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly slashing...

THIS WEEKEND: Great Western Steak & Hoagie Marks 52 Years with Hoedown Event

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Established in 1973, Hoagies has been a neighborhood staple, blending Wild West flair with its signature sandwiches The Great Western...

New Program Aids Wildfire Rebuilds with All-Electric Incentives

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The HOME LA Pilot Program provides up to $10,000 in incentives for single-family homes The city of Los Angeles unveiled...

Standoff in Malibu After Resident Allegedly Fires Arrow: REPORT

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The passerby, who was not injured, told authorities the occupant of the home fired the arrow as they passed by...

Turn Dough Opens Artisan Ice Cream Shop in Downtown Santa Monica

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The Santa Monica location offers 18 signature chimney cake creations, such as the “Unicorn,” adorned with Nutella, unicorn sprinkles, and...

What to Expect at the 2025 Malibu Food & Wine Festival

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Set on a 1,000-acre historic estate in Malibu’s wine country, the festival offers a backdrop of rolling vineyards, ancient oaks,...

Los Angeles Delays Palisades Fire Report Amid Federal Probe

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The report could clarify the Los Angeles Fire Department’s response, including its decision not to pre-deploy engines Los Angeles will...

Gold’s Gym to Mark 60th Anniversary with Venice Community Event

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Founded in 1965 by Joe Gold, the gym has grown from a single Venice site to a global brand spanning...

30-Unit Mixed-Use Project Approved for Dining and Retail at Abbot Kinney Corridor

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The 36,716-square-foot project includes 3,416 square feet of ground-floor retail and an 818-square-foot restaurant with 31 seats, permitted to sell...