Former LAPD Officer Convicted in $350,000 Bitcoin Kidnapping and Home Invasion

Eric Halem, a former Los Angeles Police Department officer, was found guilty by a jury of kidnapping and robbery related to a 2024 home invasion in Koreatown. Halem and three accomplices, posing as police officers, restrained a 17-year-old and his girlfriend, stealing a hard drive containing approximately $350,000 in bitcoin. The victim testified that he was threatened with death if he didn't comply. Evidence showed Halem operated a car rental business and had other ventures. Prosecutors argued Halem violated his oath as a police officer, citing text messages indicating he monitored police radio traffic after the robbery. Halem's attorney challenged the investigation and the victim's account, but the jury deliberated for less than a day before reaching a guilty verdict. He faces a potential life sentence and is scheduled for sentencing on March 31st. His co-defendants await trial.

(Source：Bitcoin Magazine)