By Lookout Staff

July 18, 2025 -- Steve Farzam, whose family owns the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, has been charged with 28 criminal counts, including impersonating a firefighter during the Palisades Fire and discharging a laser at aircraft, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office announced Thursday.

The alleged crimes -- including 23 felonies -- took place between 2023 and May of this year and also include assaulting a first responder and seven counts of perjury by declaration, according to the DA's office.

On January 16, Farzam, 46, allegedly posed as a firefighter during the Palisades Fire and gained access to restricted emergency zones and interfered with emergency operations, according to the DA's office .

If convicted as charged, Farzam, a resident of Brentwood who served as Chief Operating Officer of the Shore Hotel, faces up to 23 years and 10 months in state prison.

“This defendant’s alleged actions reflect a disturbing pattern of lawlessness and disregard for public safety,” said LA District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.

“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.”

Farzan faces six counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft, three counts of assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon and four counts of assault on a peace officer, all felonies, according to prosecutors.

He also faces one felony count each of impersonating a public officer, investigator or inspector and of carrying a loaded unregistered handgun in a vehicle.

Farzam also faces five misdemeanor charges -- two for impersonating a fire officer and three for trespassing on closed lands.

Farzam pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is being held without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.

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 DA's office said.