FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Carolina Camarena, Director of Communications, Office of the City Manager
carolina.camarena@sanjoseca.gov
Seamus Gann, Communications Manager, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
408.838.7664;
seamus.gann@sanjoseca.gov
San José Police Department Arrests Fire Captain on Drug Charges
SAN JOSE, Calif. (April 17, 2025) – Earlier this week, the San José Fire Department (SJFD) notified the San José Police Department (SJPD) of several controlled substances in their custody that had been potentially damaged or tampered with. Preliminary findings indicated that these medications may have been tampered with, and on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, police officers identified SJFD Captain Mark Moalem as a suspect.
Detectives obtained and executed a warrant for his arrest and Moalem was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for burglary at one fire station, child endangerment, and narcotics violations. Fire Captain Mark Moalem is currently not working and was last onsite on Tuesday, April 15.
“Lives depend on our firefighters’ ability to administer medical care during emergencies which is why we take theft of controlled substances extremely seriously,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “I’m grateful to our City Manager and Police Chief for acting quickly and decisively by opening an investigation and holding those responsible accountable. I’ll continue monitoring the situation and look forward to procedural changes that ensure this never happens again.”
“I will not tolerate criminal behavior,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “The allegations are deeply concerning and represent a serious breach of public trust. I want to be unequivocal: any conduct that endangers community safety or undermines the integrity of our public institution will be addressed with the utmost seriousness."
This is an ongoing investigation. The Fire Department has conducted an audit of their controlled substances. It is suspected that drugs may have been removed from up to an additional 16 fire stations and tampered with.
More updates will be shared as they become available. Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation to contact the San José Police Department at 408-277-4521.
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