A West Covina Police Department officers was charged with allegedly stealing money from drivers during traffic stops dating back to 2024, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Officer Jose Garcia, 38, was charged with one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and grand theft by embezzlement, a news release from the DA's Office said. Additionally, he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of petty theft.

The release lists several different instances of alleged theft during traffic stops, the first of which happened on Sept. 21, 2024. Prosecutors said that Garcia conducted a traffic stop and searched the victim's vehicle. He allegedly took approximately $600 from the victim's wallet before arresting him.

The second instance, on Nov. 23, 2024, G

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