Officer Stole Cash From Drivers During Traffic Stops: LA County DA

WEST COVINA, CA — Criminal charges have been filed against a West Covina police officer who allegedly stole cash from motorists during three traffic stops, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Jose Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, is set to be arraigned Jan. 28 on one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and grand theft by embezzlement, along with two misdemeanor counts of petty theft, according to the District Attorney's Office.

The charges stem from allegations that money was taken during three traffic stops between September 2024 and Feb. 8, 2025.

Garcia allegedly stole $600 from a wallet during a Sept. 21, 2024, traffic stop in which he arrested the alleged victim, according to the District Attorney's Office.

He is also accused of stealing about $100 from a passenger's backpack during a Nov. 23, 2024, traffic stop in which the occupants were released with a verbal warning, and taking about $300 from the center console of a vehicle during a Feb. 8 traffic stop in which the alleged victim was released with a verbal warning, according to the District Attorney's Office.

"Stealing from the very people you are sworn to protect is a profound betrayal of the badge," District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement announcing the charges. "When an officer turns routine traffic stops into opportunities for theft, for their own benefit, it corrodes public trust and endangers the integrity of our justice system.

"We will use every legal tool at our disposal to ensure that officer is held fully accountable for these alleged abuses of power, and we will not hesitate to hold any law enforcement officials responsible for any crimes committed in the course of their duties."

West Covina Police Department Chief Antonio Cortina added in the statement, "While we fully support due process, any criminal conduct by an officer, particularly involving theft or abuse of public trust, is unacceptable and undermines our mission. We are deeply concerned that an officer may have violated the public trust and the fundamental principles of policing. We are committed to ensuring accountability."

Garcia is "on paid administrative leave pending an investigation," West Covina Police Department Lt. Tim Rodgers told City News Service.

If convicted as charged, Garcia could face up to four years in state prison as well as an additional one-year jail term, according to the District Attorney's Office.

City News Service