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Former LAPD Officer Charged with Stealing Debit and Credit Cards at Metropolitan Detention Center
A former Los Angeles Police Department officer, Edmond Babaians, is set to appear in court on Friday to face charges of unlawfully taking debit and credit cards from individuals entering the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Allegations Against Babaians
The 43-year-old Babaians is accused of committing three felony counts and one misdemeanor count of improper use of access cards. These charges were brought forward by the District Attorney’s Office after he was arrested last August following an investigation by the LAPD Internal Affairs Division.
Duty at the Metropolitan Detention Center
Babaians had been working at the Metropolitan Detention Center since November 2018. His responsibilities included inspecting personal items of visitors to the jail facility. Prosecutors claim that in July of last year, Babaians stole debit and credit cards from four individuals passing through the security checkpoint and used them to make purchases.
Potential Jail Time
If convicted, Babaians could face up to five years and four months in jail. LAPD officials disclosed that the investigation began when a member of the public reported a missing debit card and unauthorized transactions. The victim provided photos of the individual using the stolen card, leading to Babaians’ identification.
Reactions from LAPD and City Officials
Upon Babaians’ arrest, LAPD Chief Michel Moore expressed concern over the breach of public trust. Mayor Karen Bass emphasised the need for accountability and transparency within the police department. While Babaians was a veteran of the force, prosecutors confirmed that he is no longer employed by the LAPD.
As the case unfolds, the community looks to law enforcement agencies to uphold integrity and build trust with all residents of Los Angeles.
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