A former Los Angeles vice detective, Michael Douglas Brambles, aged 77, was arrested again this week. He had previously been sentenced to 102 years for multiple rapes but was paroled in 2020. He now faces charges of kidnapping to commit robbery, using a firearm during the crime, and a potential new string of charges, authorities reported.
According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Brambles is accused of entering Arabella’s Boutique in Thousand Oaks, California, where he allegedly threatened a woman identified as SW with a handgun. The victim was reportedly closing the shop when Brambles forced her into the backroom, tied her hands, sexually assaulted her, and stole from the business. The statute of limitations prevents pressing charges for the sexual assault allegations.
Brambles was initially sentenced after being convicted on 26 counts, including 18 armed robberies and several sexual assaults. SW had her case dismissed, believing Brambles would remain in prison for life. However, a California law permitted elderly inmates to apply for parole in 2020, leading to his early release.
At a recent press conference, SW expressed her shock upon learning Brambles had been released six years prior, stating, “The justice that I and his other victims deserved was denied.” SW also thanked the authorities for the opportunity to pursue justice now. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko praised SW’s bravery for facing Brambles again, affirming the commitment to hold him accountable for the alleged crimes.
Brambles faces a maximum sentence of 12 years to life if convicted. Investigators realized his parole status while reviewing SW’s cold case through the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. His current bail is set at $2 million. This case highlights the consequences of California’s parole laws, as well as the resilience of victims seeking justice years later.
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