As treasurer, he was entrusted with police union’s money. Officer stole $100,000, prosecutors say

[ad_1] A former Baldwin Park police officer pleaded not responsible Monday to allegations that he stole greater than $100,000 from town’s police affiliation through the 18 months he served as its treasurer, Los Angeles County prosecutors mentioned.

Andres Villalobos, 35, faces 29 felony counts of grand theft, two felony counts of possession of an explosive and one felony depend of business housebreaking, in accordance with the Los Angeles County district legal professional’s workplace.

Prosecutors allege that between July 2022 and August 2023, Villalobos made a collection of unauthorized transfers from the Baldwin Park Police Assn.’s checking account to his on-line account. The losses whole $104,947, officers mentioned.

“Stealing funds which might be offered by, and are supposed to assist fellow cops, is a critical betrayal of belief,” mentioned Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman. “Sporting a badge shouldn't be a protect from being held accountable.”

An legal professional representing Villalobos couldn't be reached for remark Monday.

Villalobos was elected treasurer of the police affiliation in late 2021, tasked with managing its funds, authorities mentioned. The labor group represents police personnel in Baldwin Park.

He was initially arrested on embezzlement fees in December 2023, and has since been terminated from the pressure, in accordance with reviews.

Baldwin Park police didn't reply to a request for extra particulars about his employment.

Throughout a search of Villalobos’ house, investigators additionally discovered two flash-bang grenades, although prosecutors didn't disclose the place he obtained the explosives.

Villalobos maintained his innocence at a Nov. 10 arraignment listening to, and bail was set at $1.6 million. A preliminary listening to is scheduled for Nov. 24 in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom.

If convicted on all counts, he faces as much as 26 years and eight months in state jail.

“My workplace will proceed to carry regulation enforcement officers who break the regulation to the identical requirements as everybody else,” Hochman mentioned.