Brentwood man accused of impersonating a firefighter faces 28 criminal charges
The former owner of a Santa Monica hotel has been charged with 28 felony counts after allegedly impersonating a high-ranking firefighter from the fictitious Santa Muerte Fire Department. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office wrote in a court motion that suspect Steve Farzam used the fabricated role to obtain government-issued exempt license plates, enter the Palisades Fire zone and acquire firearms reserved for law enforcement. Laurie Perez and Mike Rogers report.