Former Baldwin Park Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Over $100,000 from Police Union

A former Baldwin Park police officer pleaded not guilty today to charges of grand theft, possession of destructive devices, and burglary, stemming from allegations he misappropriated funds from the police union he served as treasurer.

Andres Villalobos, 35, entered the plea on 29 felony counts of grand theft, two felony counts of possessing a destructive device or explosive, and one felony count of commercial burglary, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Villalobos was elected treasurer of the Baldwin Park Police Association in December 2021, and prosecutors allege that between July 2022 and August 2023, he transferred $104,947 in unauthorized funds to his personal account. The alleged theft raises concerns about financial oversight within police associations and the potential impact on officer resources.

Authorities also claim Villalobos, who has since been terminated from the Baldwin Park Police Department, possessed two flash-bang grenades at his residence. “Stealing funds that are provided by, and are meant to help fellow police officers, is a serious betrayal of trust,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “Wearing a badge is not a shield from being held accountable, and my office will continue to hold law enforcement officers who break the law to the same standards as everyone else.” You can find more information about the role of District Attorneys at the California District Attorneys Association.

Villalobos is currently being held in lieu of $1.6 million bail and is scheduled to return to court on November 24. If convicted on all charges, he faces a potential sentence of up to 26 years and eight months in state prison. This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in managing funds within law enforcement organizations, as detailed in reports by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.