Ex-LAPD Officer Eric Halem Arrested Over Home Burglaries

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Eric Halem, a former Los Angeles Police Department officer, has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a series of home burglaries in San Fernando Valley neighborhoods he once patrolled. The 37-year-old was taken into custody Thursday afternoon by LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division and is being held without bail pending arraignment scheduled for Monday.

Department sources, speaking anonymously due to the ongoing investigation, indicated that Halem is suspected of links to multiple home invasions in the West Valley Division. This division includes areas such as Encino, where residents have recently been concerned about a rise in break-ins. Notably, a separate case involving the murders of music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Tom DeLuca, has heightened local worries about safety. A suspect with a history of mental illness has been charged in that case.

Halem resigned from the LAPD in recent years but continued serving in the department’s reserve officer program until March 2025, when he was charged with insurance fraud. This program, dating back to World War II, comprises individuals who assist with police duties voluntarily but do not receive payment.

During his police career, Halem also developed several side businesses. He worked as a security consultant and operated luxury car rental companies that catered to music artists and celebrities. Among his clients was Randall Emmett, an action film producer who has faced allegations of abuse, which he denies.

Earlier this year, Halem and his brother, Jacob, faced charges relating to an alleged insurance fraud scheme following a Bentley crash in January 2023. Prosecutors claim Halem filed a fraudulent insurance claim for over $200,000 by misrepresenting details of the accident, which involved a rented vehicle driven by a client of Halem’s company.

Court records show that LAPD internal affairs was investigating similar insurance fraud allegations near the end of Halem’s active police career.

Halem pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of insurance fraud on Friday. His brother also pleaded not guilty to related charges.

The LAPD has not publicly commented on Halem’s arrest or the ongoing investigation into the home burglaries. The case remains under active inquiry, and further details are expected following the arraignment.

Local community leaders have expressed concern about the allegations, especially given Halem’s former role as a police officer in the affected neighborhoods.

This case highlights challenges surrounding trust and accountability within law enforcement, as well as ongoing issues related to property crime in affluent areas of Los Angeles.