California cop allegedly stole cash from motorists he stopped. He now faces felony charges

"Jose Antonio Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, was arrested and charged Friday by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office with one felony count of misappropriation of public funds, one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement and two misdemeanor counts of petty theft. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to four years in state prison and an additional consecutive one-year jail term."

"According to prosecutors, Garcia conducted a traffic stop on Sept. 21, 2024, searched the victim's vehicle and stole approximately $600 in cash from the victim's wallet before arresting them. On Nov. 23, 2024, Garcia stole approximately $100 from a passenger's backpack during a separate traffic stop before releasing the motorists with a verbal warning, according to prosecutors. On Feb. 8, 2025, investigators say the officer conducted a third traffic stop and searched the victim's vehicle, allegedly stealing approximately $300 from the vehicle's center console before releasing the driver with a verbal warning."

""Stealing from the very people you are sworn to protect is a profound betrayal of the badge," Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. 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.""

Jose Antonio Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors for allegedly stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops between September 2024 and February 2025. Prosecutors allege three incidents in which Garcia took approximately $600, $100 and $300 from stopped motorists, sometimes after searching vehicles and before releasing drivers with verbal warnings or arresting one victim. The charges include misappropriation of public funds, grand theft by embezzlement and petty theft. Convictions could result in up to four years in state prison plus an additional consecutive one-year jail term. Garcia was released on a promise to appear for arraignment on January 28, 2026, and efforts to reach him were unsuccessful. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman characterized the alleged conduct as a betrayal that corrodes public trust.

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