FRESNO, Calif. \u2013 A former Fresno police detective is facing criminal charges for allegedly embezzling more than $60,000 from an evidence room.<\/p>\n
Attorney General Rob Bonta\u2019s office has charged Rey Ariel Medeles, a former detective with the Fresno Police Department\u2019s Major Narcotics Team, with two counts of grand theft and two counts of preparing false documentary evidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cCalifornia peace officers have a duty to protect the public and uphold the public trust. Individuals who abuse that trust for personal gain violate their duty to the people and the law,\u201d Bonta said in a press release.<\/p>\n
Authorities began investigating Medeles in early 2024, after Fresno police began suspecting he had checked out cash from the evidence room without returning it. The department then launched an internal investigation and requested a criminal investigation by the FBI.<\/p>\n
Bonta\u2019s office alleges that on two separate occasions, Medeles signed approximately $30,000 in cash out of the evidence room. He then falsely stated he was returning the money to the suspects \u2013 but instead kept it for himself.<\/p>\n
Medeles was fired in June of this year as a result of the investigation, according to a police press release, and was arrested on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cLaw enforcement officers hold immense authority, and any abuse of that power will be met with decisive action,\u201d said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel in a press release announcing the arrest. \u201cWe are committed to working with our partners to hold public servants accountable, and to strengthen public trust and protect our community.\u201d<\/p>\n