"A former Baldwin Park police officer pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations that he stole more than $100,000 from the city's police association during the 18 months he served as its treasurer, Los Angeles County prosecutors said. Andres Villalobos, 35, faces 29 felony counts of grand theft, two felony counts of possession of an explosive and one felony count of commercial burglary, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office."
"The losses total $104,947, officials said. "Stealing funds that are provided by, and are meant to help fellow police officers, is a serious betrayal of trust," said Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman. "Wearing a badge is not a shield from being held accountable." An attorney representing Villalobos could not be reached for comment Monday. Villalobos was elected treasurer of the police association in late 2021, tasked with managing its finances, authorities said."
Andres Villalobos, 35, pleaded not guilty to allegations that he stole more than $100,000 from the Baldwin Park Police Association during 18 months as treasurer. He faces 29 felony counts of grand theft, two felony counts of possession of an explosive and one felony count of commercial burglary. Prosecutors allege unauthorized transfers between July 2022 and August 2023 totaling $104,947. A search of his home uncovered two flash-bang grenades. Villalobos was arrested on embezzlement charges in December 2023, has been terminated from the force, and bail was set at $1.6 million with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 24.
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