Overview
- Officer Jose Garcia, 38, faces one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and grand theft by embezzlement, plus two misdemeanor petty theft counts.
- Prosecutors allege three thefts during stops: about $600 on Sept. 21, 2024, about $100 on Nov. 23, 2024, and about $300 on Feb. 8, 2025.
- Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman called the alleged conduct a betrayal of the badge that erodes public trust.
- If convicted as charged, Garcia faces up to four years in state prison and an additional consecutive one-year jail term.
- West Covina Police Chief Antonio Cortina said the department supports due process and pledged accountability if wrongdoing is proven.