Los Angeles: On June 9, 2004, Detective Rogelio Ramirez, a 23 year veteran of Los Angeles Police Department assigned to the Narcotics Division, was arrested after being observed stealing money during a Professional Standard Bureau integrity audit. Acting on a tip, LAPD conducted two undercover sting operations and captured Ramirez on videotape allegedly stealing money that supposedly was seized from undercover drug couriers. The detective was part of a task force that included local police and federal agents assigned to investigate drug dealing and the flow of drug money through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A search warrant uncovered $1,000 in cash at Ramirez' home.

Ramirez, who was released on $20,000 bond following his arrest, voluntarily resigned from the Los Angeles Police Department.

UPDATE June 30, 2004

On June 30, 2004, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office announced that former Los Angeles Police Detective Ramirez was formally charged for the thefts. Deputy District Attorney Valerie Aenlle-Rocha with the Justice System Integrity Division stated that Rogelio Ramirez, 49 years of age, was charged with two counts of Grand Theft. Ramirez is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Division 30 at Foltz Criminal Justice Building.

If convicted, he faces up to three years and 8 months in state prison.

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.