The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced criminal charges Tuesday against a West Covina police officer who allegedly stole money from motorists during three traffic stops.
Officer Jose Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, is facing 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 DA’s Office.
Garcia allegedly took cash during three traffic stops between September 2024 and Feb. 8, 2025. He allegedly stole $600 from a wallet during a traffic stop Sept. 21, 2024, that resulted in Garcia arresting the theft victim, prosecutors said.
He also allegedly stole approximately $100 from a passenger’s backpack during a Nov. 23, 2024, traffic stop in which the vehicle occupants were let go with a verbal warning, according to the DA’s Office. In another theft, Garcia allegedly took $300 from the center console of a vehicle during a Feb. 8 traffic stop. That victim also was released with a verbal warning.
“Stealing from the very people you are sworn to protect is a profound betrayal of the badge,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “When an officer turns routine traffic stops into opportunities for theft, for their own benefit, it corrodes public trust and endangers the integrity of our justice system. We will use every legal tool at our disposal to ensure that officer is held fully accountable for these alleged abuses of power, and we will not hesitate to hold any law enforcement officials responsible for any crimes committed in the course of their duties.”
West Covina Police Department Chief Antonio Cortina was concerned about the case’s implications regarding violations of public trust and the need for accountability.
“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,” Cortina said in a statement. “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.”
Garcia is on paid administrative leave during the investigation, WCPD Lt. Tim Rodgers told City News Service.
Garcia could face up to four years in state prison as well as an additional one-year jail term if he is convicted on all charges, prosecutors said.
Updated Dec. 1, 2025, 8:41 a.m.
