Former Baldwin park Officer Faces Charges in Police Union Theft
A former Baldwin Park police officer has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he stole over $100,000 from the Baldwin Park Police Association while serving as its treasurer. Andres Villalobos, 35, appeared in court Monday facing 29 felony counts of grand theft, two felony counts of possessing an explosive device, and one felony count of commercial burglary, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Prosecutors claim that between July 2022 and august 2023, Villalobos allegedly transferred $104,947 from the police association’s bank account into his personal online account without authorization.
“Stealing funds that are provided by,and are meant to help fellow police officers,is a serious betrayal of trust,” stated Los Angeles County District attorney Nathan J.Hochman. “Wearing a badge is not a shield from being held accountable.”
Villalobos was elected treasurer of the association – which represents Baldwin Park police personnel – in late 2021 and was responsible for managing its finances. He was initially arrested in December 2023 on embezzlement charges and has since been terminated from the Baldwin Park Police Department, according to reports. The department has not provided further details regarding his employment.
During a search of Villalobos’ residence, investigators discovered two flash-bang grenades. The source of the explosives remains undisclosed by prosecutors.
At his arraignment on November 10th, Villalobos asserted his innocence, and bail was set at $1.6 million. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 24th in downtown Los Angeles.
If convicted on all counts, Villalobos coudl face a maximum sentence of 26 years and eight months in state prison.
Hochman affirmed his office’s commitment to holding all law enforcement officers accountable for criminal behavior, stating, “My office will continue to hold law enforcement officers who break the law to the same standards as everyone else.”
An attorney for Villalobos was unavailable for comment Monday.
