LOS ANGELES: On Thursday, July 22, 2004, the multi-agency Task Force for Regional Autotheft Prevention, along with members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Professional Standards Bureau, arrested Police Officer III Joseph R. Droke, Serial No. 30548, in Santa Clarita. Officer Droke was assigned to Continuing Education Division. Officer Droke was arrested on a felony warrant charging one count of insurance fraud and one count of perjury. The insurance fraud charge stemmed from the fraudulent theft of his vehicle and the ensuing insurance claim. The perjury charge stems from the sworn statement he made when filing the insurance claim.

Officer Droke was booked at Van Nuys Jail, where he immediately posted the $25,000 bond and was released. Droke is currently assigned to home pending further investigation by Professional Standards Bureau.

Any questions regarding this matter can be directed to Lieutenant Al Yarbrough, Criminal Investigation Division, at 213-473-3853.

This News Release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.