A West Covina police officer was charged Tuesday with stealing cash from drivers during traffic stops since 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jose Antonio Garcia, faces one felony charge of misappropriation of public funds and one felony charge of grand theft by misappropriation, as well as two misdemeanor charges of petty theft.
According to the indictment, on September 21, 2024, Garcia conducted a traffic stop, searched the vehicle, and allegedly stole $600 from the driver’s wallet. The officer arrested the victim at the end of the traffic stop.
Two months later, on November 23, 2024, García allegedly stole $100 from a passenger’s backpack during a traffic stop.
Additionally, on February 8, 2025, the defendant allegedly stole $300 from a car’s center console during another traffic stop. The victim was released with a verbal warning.
“Stealing from the very people you swear to protect is a profound betrayal of the badge,” stated Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “When an officer turns routine traffic stops into opportunities for theft, for personal gain, it erodes public trust and jeopardizes the integrity of our justice system.”
García was released on probation and is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on January 28 in West Covina.
If convicted on all charges, the officer could face up to four years in state prison, followed by one year in jail.