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August 11, 2025: Former LAPD Officer, Three Others Charged in Kidnapping for Ransom, Armed Robbery
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If convicted as charged, each defendant faces life in state prison
LOS ANGELES – Felony charges have been filed against a former Los Angeles police officer and three other men in connection with a violent home invasion and kidnapping for ransom in Koreatown last December.
“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 J. Hochman said. “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.”
Former Los Angeles Police Department Officer Eric Halem (dob 11/7/1987) of Porter Ranch was charged in case 25CJCF02967 with kidnapping for ransom, first-degree residential robbery, and home invasion robbery in concert. He is being held on no bail.
Also charged in the case are Luis Banuelos (dob 5/25/97) of Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, Pierre Louis (dob 12/8/98) of Attleboro, Mass. and Mishael Mann (dob 7/31/05) of Los Angeles. Each co-defendant faces counts of kidnapping for ransom, first-degree residential robbery, and home invasion robbery in concert. Mann is being held on no bail, and Louis and Banuelos are each being held on $1.3 million bail.
Halem and Mann both pleaded not guilty during their arraignment today. Banuelos and Louis pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on June 11. Preliminary hearing setting for all four defendants is scheduled for Sept. 24 in Department 37 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
On Dec. 28, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Halem and Mann allegedly entered an apartment in Koreatown, where they handcuffed two victims, transferred money from the victims’ cryptocurrency account, and stole cash and jewelry before fleeing. Banuelos and Louis are accused of serving as getaway drivers who waited outside the location.
If convicted as charged, all four defendants face life in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jane Brownstone of the Organized Crime Division and was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.
The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
