An ex-police officer and union treasurer has been charged with stealing nearly $105,000 from the Baldwin Park Police Association, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Andres Villalobos, 35, pleaded not guilty Monday to 29 felony counts of grand theft, two felony counts of possession of a destructive device or explosive and one felony count of commercial burglary, authorities said.
Villalobos’ next scheduled court date is Nov. 24 in downtown Los Angeles for a hearing to determine if enough evidence exists for him to stand trial. He was in custody in lieu of bail set at $1.6 million.
In December 2021, police union members elected Villalobos treasurer. Between July 2022 and August 2023, prosecutors allege he made unauthorized transfers of union funds into his personal online account.
The alleged embezzlement during the 18-month period totaled $104,947, the DA’s office reported.
Villalobos, who was fired from the Baldwin Park Police Department, also allegedly had two flash-bang grenades at his home, prosecutors said.
“Stealing funds that are provided by, and are meant to help fellow police officers, is a serious betrayal of trust,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “Wearing a badge is not a shield from being held accountable, and my office will continue to hold law enforcement officers who break the law to the same standards as everyone else.”
If convicted as charged, Villalobos faces over 26 years in state prison.
