A former Los Angeles vice detective, Michael Douglas Brambles, 77, was arrested this week following his parole in 2020. Previously sentenced to 102 years for multiple rapes and robberies, Brambles is now facing charges of kidnapping to commit robbery and using a firearm in connection with an alleged robbery and sexual assault, as reported by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
The district attorney’s office stated that Brambles faces several aggravating circumstances. These include great violence involved in the crime, the victim’s particular vulnerability, and the crime’s planning and professionalism, indicating a serious danger to society.
Brambles is accused of entering Arabella’s Boutique in Thousand Oaks, California, where he allegedly confronted a woman identified as SW during closing hours. He reportedly pointed a handgun at her, forced her into the backroom, tied her hands, and sexually assaulted her. The statute of limitations prevents charging him with the sexual assault, and he also allegedly stole from the business.
Brambles was eventually identified as a suspect shortly after the crime, during his prosecution for other robberies and sexual assaults. He received convictions for 26 counts, including 18 armed robberies. SW’s case was dismissed at the time, as it was believed he would remain in prison for life.
However, a California law allowing elderly inmates to apply for parole enabled Brambles to do so in 2020. At a parole hearing, he denied other assaults beyond those he was convicted for in Los Angeles County. When investigators re-evaluated SW’s unresolved case under the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, they found Brambles had been paroled. His arrest followed, and he is currently held in Ventura County on $2 million bail.
SW shared her shock at discovering Brambles was free and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to seek justice for herself and other victims. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko commended SW’s courage, emphasizing their commitment to holding Brambles accountable.
If convicted for the current charges, Brambles could face a sentence of 12 years to life. His arrest serves as a significant development in a case spanning over three decades.
Aviation Near Miss Averted Over Phoenix 
USS Abraham Lincoln’s Return and Living Conditions Concerns 
Hurricane Lala Intensifies, Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rains and Flooding 
Cape May’s New Restrictions on Minors Address Beach Safety Concerns 
Severe Storm Hits Indiana, Causing Deaths and Widespread Flooding 
Severe Flooding Continues to Devastate Midwest Amid Ongoing Storms