A police officer in West Covina, California, is facing serious allegations of theft after he reportedly took money from drivers during traffic stops. Officer Jose Garcia, 38, has been charged with felonies that prosecutors describe as a “gross betrayal” of his duties, claiming he treated routine stops as an opportunity to rob unsuspecting motorists.
The shady activity is said to have started back in September 2024. On September 21, Garcia pulled over a driver and, during the encounter, allegedly stole about $600 from the victim’s wallet before handcuffing him.
A couple of months later, on November 23, he is accused of stopping another vehicle, searching a passenger’s backpack, and pocketing a $100 bill. Then, on February 8, 2025, he allegedly stopped a third driver and swiped $300 from the center console after searching the vehicle. In those later incidents, he reportedly just let the drivers go with a warning.
Authorities were alerted to possible misconduct around February 10. Following this, the West Covina Police Department placed Garcia on paid administrative leave while the investigations continue.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman commented on the situation, emphasizing how theft by officers diminishes public trust and compromises the integrity of the justice system. He stated, “We will use all legal tools at our disposal to ensure that these officers are held fully accountable for these alleged abuses of power.”
Garcia, who lives in Long Beach, faces one felony count of embezzlement of public funds, another for misdemeanor embezzlement, and two counts of petty theft.
The West Covina Police Department expressed its dismay over the allegations. Police Chief Antonio Cortina remarked, “While we fully support due process, criminal conduct by our officers—particularly theft and abuse of public trust—is unacceptable.” He underscored their commitment to ensuring accountability in this situation.
Garcia has been released on a promise to appear in court, with a scheduled arraignment set for January 28, 2026. If convicted, he could potentially face up to four years in prison, and it’s, well, quite the turnaround from wearing a badge to donning a prison jumpsuit.
