Michael Douglas Brambles, 77, a former Los Angeles vice detective paroled in 2020 after serving part of a 102-year sentence, was arrested following a cold-case review by Ventura County prosecutors. He is charged with kidnapping to commit robbery while personally using a firearm in an alleged Thousand Oaks incident; prosecutors also allege theft and cite aggravating circumstances. The sexual-assault allegation is time-barred, but Brambles faces robbery and kidnapping charges and is held on $2 million bail. If convicted, he could face 12 years to life.
Paroled Ex-LA Vice Detective, 77, Arrested After Cold-Case Review; Faces Kidnapping and Robbery Charges
Ex-detective who served fraction of 102-year sentence faces new charges after cold case review
Michael Douglas Brambles, 77, a former Los Angeles vice detective who was originally sentenced to 102 years three decades ago, was arrested this week after a cold-case review by Ventura County prosecutors, authorities said.
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office charged Brambles with kidnapping to commit robbery while personally using a firearm in connection with an alleged incident at a Thousand Oaks business. Prosecutors say the case includes multiple aggravating circumstances: great violence, a particularly vulnerable victim, evidence of planning or professionalism, and violent conduct indicating a danger to society.
According to the complaint, Brambles allegedly entered Arabella's Boutique as an employee identified only as SW was closing. He is accused of pointing a handgun at her, forcing her into a back room, tying her hands behind her back, sexually assaulting her and stealing property before fleeing. Prosecutors say the sexual-assault allegation cannot be charged now because the statute of limitations has expired.
Background And Previous Convictions
Shortly after the alleged Thousand Oaks attack, Brambles was identified as a suspect but was already facing prosecution in Los Angeles County. He was convicted decades ago on 26 counts, including 18 armed robberies and multiple sexual-assault convictions, and was sentenced to 102 years in prison. At the time, the case brought by SW was dismissed with her agreement, as she believed Brambles would remain incarcerated for life.
Under a California law that permits certain elderly inmates to apply for parole, Brambles applied and was released on parole in 2020. At his parole hearing, he denied sexually assaulting any women beyond the cases for which he had been convicted in Los Angeles County.
Renewed Investigation
Investigators with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, reviewing SW's cold case as part of the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, discovered that Brambles had been paroled. He was arrested on Wednesday and is being held in Ventura County on $2 million bail.
SW said at a press conference: "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. The justice that I and his other victims deserved was denied when he was only required to serve a fraction of the sentence he earned. I am thankful to have this opportunity now to seek justice for myself and for his other victims."
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said: "Without her courage, bravery and resolve to once again face the person who allegedly attacked her, we would not be here today. Despite the passage of time and the long road ahead, SW is committed to seeing Michael Brambles held responsible for these violent accusations from 32 years ago, and so are we."
If convicted on the current charges, Brambles faces a potential sentence of 12 years to life. The case is ongoing; the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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