Public Trust at Risk: San Jose Fire Captain’s Arrest Sparks Legal Questions – Were You Affected?

A recent news report from KTVU Fox 2 has shaken the public’s trust in those sworn to protect us. San Jose Fire Captain Mark Moalem who has been working for the department since 2002 was arrested April 17th, on a drug charge and other charges relating to child endangerment and burglary.  Were the public’s safety and legal rights compromised during his time in uniform?

What Happened?

Captain Moalem was originally named a suspect on April 16th after the fire department notified police that medicine in their custody were damaged or tampered with.  In addition to the drug charges, Moalem was booked into the Santa Clara County jail for burglary at a fire station, endangering a child, and narcotics violations. Given his leadership position within the San Jose Fire Department, this news is deeply concerning especially for any citizens who may have been given the altered medicine during emergency responses.

Why This Matters

Firefighters are often the first on scene in critical situations including accidents, medical emergencies, home entries, or even child welfare checks.  “Lives depend on our firefighters’ ability to administer medical care during emergencies, which is why we take theft of controlled substances extremely seriously,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.  If Captain Moalem’s conduct extended beyond personal use and citizens were administered tampered medication, legal consequences could ripple outward. These may include:

• Improper or compromised emergency responses
• Failure to provide pain medication or anti-seizure medication.

There are reports that pain medication and anti-seizure medications were unlawfully taken and replaced with a placebo.  Consequently, paramedics may have believed they were administering pain medications or anti-seizure medications when in fact they administered a placebo resulting in the patient not receiving the correct medication for their pain or seizure symptoms.

Your Legal Rights

At Venardi Zurada LLP, we believe in holding all public institutions accountable especially when misconduct endangers the community. If you or a loved one interacted with Captain Moalem or the San Jose Fire Department and feel that your rights, safety, or property may have been violated, you may be entitled to compensation or inclusion in a developing legal action.

We are currently investigating potential claims related to paramedics administering a placebo instead of pain medication or an anti-seizure medication in response to 911 calls.  You may have a legal claim if you:

• Received emergency assistance from Captain Moalem, the San Jose Fire Department, or San Jose paramedics between 2022 and 2025.
• Believe that paramedics administered pain medication or anti-seizure medication but later have a reason to believe that you did not receive the appropriate medication.
• Have records of interaction with the department during Moalem’s tenure

Speak Up. You’re Not Alone.

Often, misconduct goes unreported because individuals don’t realize their experience was part of a larger pattern. But change starts when people come forward. Your story could help bring justice to others and protect future victims.

Contact Venardi Zurada, LLP Today

Our legal team is currently offering free, confidential consultations to anyone with potential claims related to this matter. Let us review your case and guide you through your options.

Call 1-800-JUSTICE® or fill out our contact form to schedule a case review.

Offices in Walnut Creek and Oakland.

Justice for the people.