Ex-officer accused of home invasion, kidnap for ransom

Eric Halem and another suspect plead not guilty in crypto, cash and jewelry theft.

- RICHARD WINTON AND LIBOR JANY

Prosecutors have charged a former Los Angeles police officer in a kidnapping for ransom that occurred when he was still an active reserve officer.

The December incident, which authorities said involved the former officer and three other men, began with a Koreatown home invasion.

Eric Halem and another man are accused of then kidnapping a man and forcing him to turn over $200,000 in cryptocurrency.

Halem, 37, was arrested Thursday afternoon by members of the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division and held without bail.

Halem served about 13 years as an officer before becoming a reserve officer. In addition to kidnapping for ransom, which carries a potential life sentence, he is charged with a separate count of kidnapping, along with four counts of robbery in connection with the home invasion.

"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 Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.