URGENT UPDATE: A West Covina police officer has been charged with theft after being accused of stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the shocking allegations against Officer Jose Garcia, 38, on November 25, 2024. This developing story raises serious concerns about police conduct and public trust.
Garcia is accused of illicitly taking cash from drivers during three separate traffic stops beginning in September 2024. In the first incident on September 21, 2024, he allegedly searched a vehicle and stole approximately $600 from a motorist’s wallet before making an arrest. Just two months later, on November 23, 2024, he is said to have taken around $100 from a passenger’s backpack during a stop, releasing all involved with only a verbal warning.
The most recent accusation occurred on February 8, 2025, when Garcia allegedly removed about $300 from a vehicle’s center console while again letting the driver go with a warning. These incidents not only highlight a serious breach of trust but also raise questions about the policing standards in West Covina.
Garcia faces grave legal repercussions, including one felony count of misappropriation of public funds and one count of grand theft by embezzlement, accompanied by two misdemeanor counts of petty theft. If convicted, he could face up to four years in state prison along with an additional one-year jail term. He has been released on a promise to appear for his arraignment scheduled for January 28, 2025, at West Covina Superior Court.
West Covina Police Chief Antonio Cortina expressed deep concern regarding the allegations, stating,
“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.”
He emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability in the wake of such troubling claims.
As this story unfolds, the community is left questioning the integrity of their law enforcement. The implications of these allegations are profound, affecting not only the officer involved but also the broader community’s trust in their police force.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. This case serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
