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If convicted as charged, Steve Farzam faces up to 23 years and 10 months state prison

LOS ANGELES — A Brentwood man has been charged with 28 criminal counts — including 23 felonies — for a string of alleged crimes that occurred between 2023 and May of this year, including impersonating a firefighter during the Palisades Fire, assaulting a first responder, and discharging a laser at aircrafts.

“This defendant’s alleged actions reflect a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and disregard for public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Over the course of more than a year, he is accused of repeatedly putting lives at risk, from impersonating a firefighter during an active wildfire to assaulting a first responder and targeting aircraft with a laser. If proven, this type of escalating conduct undermines the integrity of our emergency response systems and erodes public trust and we will use every legal tool available to hold the defendant accountable.”

Steve Farzam (dob 7/21/78) faces multiple charges in case 25CJCF04164, including these felonies:

• Six counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft.
• Three counts of assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
• Four counts of assault upon a peace officer.
• One count of impersonation of a public officer, investigator or inspector.
• One count of carrying a loaded unregistered handgun in a vehicle.
• Seven counts of perjury by declaration.
• One count of procuring and offering false or forged instrument.

And the following misdemeanors:

• Two counts of impersonating a fire officer.
• Three counts of trespassing on closed lands.

Farzam pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. He is currently being held without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28 in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On Jan. 16, Farzam allegedly posed as a firefighter during the Palisades Fire, gaining access to restricted emergency zones and interfering with emergency operations. The series of alleged offenses spans more than a year and includes incidents that put public safety and emergency personnel at serious risk.

If convicted as charged, Farzam faces up to 23 years and 10 months in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division. The investigation was conducted by the California Highway Patrol’s Malibu Station and the Los Angeles Police Department in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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