News Releases
November 25, 2025: West Covina Police Officer Charged With Stealing Cash During Traffic Stops
Contact:
If convicted as charged, Jose Garcia faces up to four years in state prison and an additional consecutive one-year jail term
WEST COVINA, Calif. – Felony charges have been filed against West Covina Police Officer Jose Garcia for allegedly stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops beginning in 2024.
“Stealing from the very people you are sworn to protect is a profound betrayal of the badge,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “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 Chief Antonio Cortina added: “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. 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.”
Jose Antonio Garcia (12/24/86) of Long Beach is charged in case 25WCCF01222 with one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and grand theft by embezzlement, as well as two misdemeanor counts of petty theft. He was released on a promise to appear in court for his arraignment on Jan. 28 in Department 4 of the West Covina Courthouse.
On Sept. 21, 2024, Garcia conducted a traffic stop, searched the victim’s vehicle, and allegedly stole approximately $600 in cash from the victim’s wallet. He arrested the victim at the conclusion of the stop.
On Nov. 23, 2024, Garcia allegedly stole approximately $100 from a passenger’s backpack during a separate traffic stop. The occupants were released with a verbal warning.
On Feb. 8, 2025, the defendant conducted a third traffic stop and searched the victim’s vehicle, allegedly stealing approximately $300 from the vehicle’s center console. The victim was released with a verbal warning.
If convicted as charged, Garcia faces up to four years in state prison and an additional consecutive one-year jail term.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Brandy Chase of the Justice System Integrity Division and is being investigated by the West Covina Police Department.
The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
