The former owner of a Santa Monica hotel has been charged with 28 felony counts after allegedly impersonating a high-ranking firefighter from the fictitious Santa Muerte Fire Department. Prosecutors claimed Steve Farzam used the Shore Hotel as the "base of operations for several fraudulent activities," according to court documents.
"This defendant's alleged actions reflect a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and disregard for public safety," LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. "Over the course of more than a year, he is accused of repeatedly putting lives at risk, from impersonating a firefighter during an active wildfire to assaulting a first responder and targeting aircraft with a laser."
The investigation into Farzam began earlier this month when the Los Angeles Police Department started looking into cases "involving pilots being struck by a laser while piloting commercial aircraft and helicopters around West Los Angeles area," according to a press release from the LAPD.
During the search, police found two utility vehicles with California exempt license plates, police and fire light package equipment for vehicles, radios, first responder identifications, a Pierce Fire Engine, multiple rounds of ammunition, "various fraudulent documents relating to a fictitious Fire Department and other first responder paraphernalia," officials said.
The fire truck that was discovered at his home had burn marks on the top of it and was registered to the Santa Muerte Fire Department, which does not exist, officials said.
Farzam has been charged with 28 criminal counts — including 23 felonies — for a string of alleged crimes that occurred between 2023 and May of this year, including impersonating a firefighter during the Palisades Fire, assaulting a first responder, and discharging a laser at aircrafts.
Steve Farzam (dob 7/21/78) faces multiple charges in case 25CJCF04164, including these felonies:
Six counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft.
Three counts of assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
Four counts of assault upon a peace officer.
One count of impersonation of a public officer, investigator or inspector.
One count of carrying a loaded unregistered handgun in a vehicle.
Seven counts of perjury by declaration.
One count of procuring and offering false or forged instrument.
And the following misdemeanors:
Two counts of impersonating a fire officer.
Three counts of trespassing on closed lands.
Farzam pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. He is currently being held without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28 in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
On Jan. 16, Farzam allegedly posed as a firefighter during the Palisades Fire, gaining access to restricted emergency zones and interfering with emergency operations. The series of alleged offenses spans more than a year and includes incidents that put public safety and emergency personnel at serious risk.
If convicted as charged, Farzam faces up to 23 years and 10 months in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division. The investigation was conducted by the California Highway Patrol’s Malibu Station and the Los Angeles Police Department in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies.
For more info,
Click Here.
Social Buttons