US EditionWest Covina Police Officer Accused of Stealing Cash During Traffic Stops
Officer Jose Garcia faces felony and misdemeanor theft charges for allegedly taking about $1,000 in cash during three traffic stops, prosecutors said.
- A West Covina police officer was charged on Nov. 25 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with theft-related crimes, including misappropriation of public funds and grand theft.
- In a series of stops beginning Sept. 21, 2024, prosecutors say Jose Antonio Garcia allegedly stole cash during incidents on Sept. 21, Nov. 23, 2024 and Feb. 8, 2025, spanning last fall into earlier this year.
- Prosecutors allege Garcia searched vehicles, removed about $600 from a motorist's wallet, and took roughly $300 from a vehicle's center console, issuing a verbal warning in the latter case.
- Garcia was released on a promise to appear and is due for arraignment on January 28, 2026, in West Covina Superior Court; if convicted, he faces state prison up to four years plus an additional consecutive one-year jail term.
- The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office called the conduct a "profound betrayal of the badge," while West Covina Police Chief Antonio Cortina said officials are "deeply concerned" about public trust and support due process.
10 Articles
10 Articles
California cop allegedly stole cash from motorists he stopped. He now faces felony charges
Jose Antonio Garcia, 38, of Long Beach has been charged with stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops since 2024. He could face up to four years in state prison.
West Covina Police Officer Charged With Stealing Cash During Traffic Stops
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’…
West Covina police officer accused of stealing cash during traffic stops
Charges have been filed against a West Covina police officer accused of stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops beginning in 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Officer Jose Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, stole money during three separate traffic stops, prosecutors said. In the first incident, on Sept. 21, 2024, Garcia allegedly searched a driver’s vehicle, removed about $600 from the moto…
West Covina police officer accused of stealing cash during traffic stops
Charges have been filed against a West Covina police officer accused of stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops beginning in 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Officer Jose Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, stole money during three separate traffic stops, prosecutors said. In the first incident, on Sept. 21, 2024, Garcia allegedly searched a driver’s vehicle, removed about $600 from the moto…
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