he Tulare County District Attorney’s Office has filed criminal charges against Visalia Police Captain Luma Fahoum. She is accused of theft and embezzlement from non-profit funds associated with the Visalia Police Explorers program.
The charges were brought about following a multi-month investigation that was launched by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office at the request of the Visalia Police Department.
The backstory: The investigation was initiated last September after a department member raised concerns regarding potential criminal activity by Fahoum.
- Upon initial assessment, Fahoum was placed on administrative leave, and an independent investigation by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office was initiated.
- The Visalia Police Department fully cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office during the investigation and is prepared to continue cooperating as it advanced into prosecution.
Inside the complaint: Charging the Visalia police captain with five felony counts of grand theft, prosecutors allege that Fahoum embezzled roughly $58,000 from the Visalia Police Explorers program.
- The complaint further alleges a misdemeanor petty theft charge related to the theft of $500 from a local McDonald’s franchisee in Tulare County.
What they’re saying: “As the chief, I am heartbroken and disappointed with what led us to today’s criminal filing against Captain Fahoum,” Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar said in a statement Friday. “To our community and especially those who generously invested in our explorer program to benefit the youth in that program, I am deeply sorry.”
