Mark Moalem, a 45-year-old fire captain with the San Jose Fire Department and resident of Gilroy, has been charged with multiple offenses linked to the theft of narcotic painkillers and sedatives from his department. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office reports that Moalem allegedly pilfered controlled substances such as morphine, meant for emergency treatments, directly from the secure lockboxes located in fire engines.
The investigation began when firefighters reported tampering with a vial of morphine at Station 4 in San Jose on April 14. Concerns escalated when it was noted that morphine provided to a patient from a different station had failed to produce any effects. An audit that followed revealed that vials of morphine and midazolam—a commonly used sedative—had been compromised at 17 fire stations across San Jose.
Investigators also noted the theft of narcotic vials from a fire truck, leading to a probe by the San Jose Police Department. Utilizing a license plate reader system, authorities tracked Moalem’s vehicle around the fire station during the time the narcotics went missing, and surveillance images matched his description.
This is not Moalem’s first encounter with legal issues; he was previously arrested in 2013 for possession of controlled substances and was under the influence of an opiate at that time. He was also a suspect in a recent theft of morphine from a fire station earlier this year.
A search of Moalem’s home in Gilroy revealed a significant collection of medical paraphernalia, including used needles, several drug vials, and caps from SJFD morphine vials. As a 22-year veteran of the San Jose Fire Department, Moalem is currently on administrative leave while the legal proceedings unfold.
The District Attorney, Jeff Rosen, emphasized the serious breach of trust that this situation represents, stating, “The community puts their lives in the hands of first responders during emergencies. There is no excuse for violating the trust and safety of Santa Clara County residents.”
This case highlights the critical importance of accountability among emergency personnel, who are entrusted with ensuring the safety of the communities they serve. Authorities will be closely monitoring the situation as it develops, with the potential for significant legal repercussions for the accused, if found guilty.