Santa Monica Cop Pleads No Contest to Petty Theft

SANTA MONICA, CA — A veteran Santa Monica police officer has pleaded no contest to petty theft charges and was placed on administrative leave until the administrative process is completed, the Santa Monica Police Department announced Monday.

Eduardo Parraga, 51, entered a plea of no contest at his arraignment on Oct. 20 and a judge entered a guilty plea on his behalf. The theft happened in the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade. The SMPD discovered Parraga's petty theft in June and placed him on administrative leave while a criminal investigation was completed, according to the department's statement.

The case then went to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration, but the officer referred the case to the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office, which prosecutes misdemeanor crimes in addition to providing legal services for the city.

"The department understands the significance of upholding public trust and will remain committed to ensuring employees are held accountable for actions that are contrary to the community’s interest and mission of the Santa Monica Police Department," SMPD Lt. Saul Rodriguez said.

As part of his plea agreement, Parraga's sentence was diverted. Parraga will need to complete 15 days or 150 hours of community service, stay away from the location where theft took place and pay restitution to the victim. He was also placed on one year summary probation.

Parrage remains on administrative leave while an Internal Affairs investigation is pending.

"At this point, I cannot speculate what his employment status will be once the investigation is concluded," Rodriguez said.

-- Photo courtesy of the SMPD