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 motorist’s wallet and then made an arrest. On Nov. 23, 2024, he is accused of taking roughly $100 from a passenger’s backpack during another traffic stop before releasing everyone with only a verbal warning. In the most recent case, on Feb. 8, 2025, Garcia allegedly took about $300 from a vehicle’s center console and let the driver go with a warning.
Garcia is charged with one felony count of misappropriation of public funds and one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement, along with two misdemeanor counts of petty theft. He was released on a promise to appear for his arraignment on Jan. 28 in West Covina Superior Court.
If convicted on all charges, Garcia faces up to four years in state prison and an additional consecutive one-year jail term.
“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,” West Covina Police Chief Antonio Cortina said. “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.”
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