Calif. detective took $60,000 in cash from evidence room, officials say

""As Chief of the Fresno Police Department, I am deeply troubled by the former detective's conduct and its impact on the trust we strive to build with our community," said Mindy Casto, chief of the Fresno Police Department, in the release. "While this arrest is not a proud moment for our department, I want to reassure the public that we take swift and decisive action when serious misconduct is discovered, including involving our state and federal partners.""

"According to a felony complaint filed in October of this year, Medeles took more than $31,000 in 2023 and another $30,000 in 2024, "and on both occasions, Medeles signed the cash out of the evidence room by preparing a record that falsely stated that he was returning the money to the suspects - instead, Medeles kept the money," the DOJ news release said."

Rey Medeles, a former Fresno Police Department narcotics detective, is accused of embezzling more than $60,000 from the department's evidence room. A felony complaint alleges he took over $31,000 in 2023 and another $30,000 in 2024, signing records that falsely stated money was returned to suspects while he kept the cash. Fresno Police Department officials contacted the FBI after suspecting unlawful fund removals, prompting a multi-agency investigation. Medeles has been arrested by the California Department of Justice. Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto expressed deep concern about the conduct and emphasized swift action and collaboration with state and federal partners.

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