FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A former Fresno Police detective appears in court for the first time after betraying his badge, allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from an evidence room.
On Thursday, Rey Medeles appeared out of custody and entered a plea of not guilty to charges of grand Theft and preparing false evidence.
passed down from the Attorney General’s office.
Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi says it’s a clear abuse of power.
“He would have to go through a procedure to get access,” Capozzi said. “So it shows sophistication and planning to get this kind of money, and only because he’s a police officer is he able to get it.”
Following an initial investigation by Fresno Police, Medeles found himself in the middle of an FBI investigation that led to his arrest earlier this month.
Capozzi is now questioning how this case could have affected the integrity of others.
“If this officer has taken money in this case, what has happened in the cases that he’s been on before? That he’s investigated or might’ve been a witness to?” Capozzi explained.
Also revealed Thursday were two court-issued protective orders, essentially introducing two unnamed victims, adding questions to the case.
Capozzi is now wondering what other details of the case remain untold.
“Were there some individuals, civil individuals, unrelated to the police department, that may have been threatened, or maybe witnesses in this particular case and have shown some kind of concern?” He asked.
Action News did reach out to the Attorney General’s office for an update on the two protective orders but none were given.
Medeles will remain out of custody leading up to his next court date, set for December 15.
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