Former cop joins group in violent home invasion to steal crypto, CA officials say

A group of men, including a former police officer, have been charged in a kidnapping for ransom, California officials said.

On Dec. 28, former Los Angeles Police Department Officer Eric Halem, 37, and 20-year-old Mishael Mann went into a Koreatown apartment and handcuffed the two victims, according to an Aug. 11 news release by the district attorney’s office.

Halem and Mann are accused of transferring money from the victims’ cryptocurrency accounts along with stealing jewelry and cash before fleeing.

Officials said the two other men, Luis Banuelos, 28, and 26-year-old Pierre Louis drove the getaway car.

The men are accused of stealing over $200,000, officials told NBC 4 Los Angeles.

“Whether you once wore a badge and served in law enforcement, or not, if you take part in violent crimes, you will be held fully accountable,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in the release. “This office will pursue justice for victims without fear or favor. We will prosecute those who use violence and intimidation to profit from the suffering of others and ensure they answer for their criminal actions.”

In May, the California Department of Insurance accused Halem of falsifying an accident report and submitting staged photos to back up the claim.

Halem joined the police department’s reserve program in 2022 where he stayed until being charged with insurance fraud, officials told the Los Angeles Times.

All of the men were charged with kidnapping for ransom, residential robbery and home invasion robbery in concert, prosecutors said.

Each of the men pleaded not guilty to the charges and are scheduled to reappear in court on Sept. 24.

If convicted, each man is facing life in prison, prosecutors said.

This story was originally published August 12, 2025 at 12:32 PM with the headline "Former cop joins group in violent home invasion to steal crypto, CA officials say."