Charges have been filed against a West Covina police officer accused of stealing cash from motorists during traffic stops beginning in 2024, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Officer Jose Garcia, 38, of Long Beach, stole money during three separate traffic stops, prosecutors said.

In the first incident, on Sept. 21, 2024, Garcia allegedly searched a driver’s vehicle, removed about $600 from the motorist’s wallet and then made an arrest. On Nov. 23, 2024, he is accused of taking roughly $100 from a passenger’s backpack during another traffic stop before releasing everyone with only a verbal warning. In the most recent case, on Feb. 8, 2025, Garcia allegedly took about $300 from a vehicle’s center console and let the driver go with a warning.

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