Former LA Detective Arrested Again for Robbery and Assault

A former detective from Los Angeles, Michael Douglas Brambles, aged 77, has been arrested again. Decades ago, courts sentenced him to 102 years for several rapes, but he was paroled in 2020 due to a California law. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office stated that Brambles faces charges of kidnapping to commit robbery while using a firearm.

The district attorney highlighted several aggravating circumstances. They noted the crime involved significant violence. They reported the victim was particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the crime showed signs of planning and professionalism. These actions point to a serious threat to society.

Brambles allegedly entered Arabella’s Boutique in Thousand Oaks, California. He reportedly pointed a handgun at a woman, referred to as SW, while she was closing the store. He allegedly forced her into the backroom, tied her hands, and sexually assaulted her. Following this, he is accused of stealing from the business.

The statute of limitations prevents charging him for the alleged sexual assault. Shortly after the incident, authorities identified him as a suspect. However, he was already being prosecuted for numerous robberies and assaults. Previously, courts convicted him of 26 counts, including 18 armed robberies and multiple assaults. SW’s case was dismissed under the belief he would remain imprisoned for life. In 2020, Brambles applied for parole under a California law allowing elderly inmates to qualify.

“A few months ago, when investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office contacted me, I was shocked to hear not only that this man was walking free, but that he had been out of prison for six years,” said SW.

During his parole hearing, Brambles denied any offenses aside from those in Los Angeles County. Investigators re-examined SW’s cold case as part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative as they discovered he was paroled. Authorities arrested Brambles and are holding him on $2 million bail in Ventura County.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko praised SW’s courage: “Without her courage, bravery, and resolve to once again face the person who allegedly attacked her, we would not be here today.” Brambles faces a potential sentence of 12 years to life if found guilty.