Cop Charged With Theft, Drug Possession

Former Glendora police officer charged with theft, drug possession
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune by Brian Day - May 20, 2009

GLENDORA - A former Glendora police officer is facing theft and drug charges after allegedly stealing money and methamphetamine last year during a department sting targeted at him, officials said. Timothy Radogna, 33 was charged Wednesday with grand theft, possession of drugs for sales and possession of drugs with a firearm. The arrest stems from an integrity investigation carried out by Glendora police in September, after they received information that Radogna was allegedly failing to book narcotics and money into evidence, Glendora Chief of Police Charles Montoya said. Montoya declined to say what specifically aroused their suspicions. "As law enforcement officers, we're held to a higher standard than the general public," Montoya said. "But at the very minimum, we have to obey society's laws, just as any other person. Unfortunately, Mr. Radogna did neither." During the integrity test, Montoya said an undercover car containing money and methamphetamine was placed as bait. Radogna was asked to book the evidence, and when $1,000 and a small amount of methamphetamine were discovered missing, Radogna was placed on administrative leave and an investigation was opened, Montoya said. Radogna was fired from the department Dec. 12. Radogna was a 3-year veteran of the Glendora Police Department, and previously served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Covina Police Department, Montoya said. A felony arrest warrant was issued for Radogna on May 14, said Shiara Davila-Morales, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. He was arrested Wednesday morning by deputies from the sheriff's Cerritos station, according to court records. He is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail. He will be arraigned in Los Angeles County Superior Court Friday, according to court records. If convicted on all counts, Radogna faces a maximum penalty of more than 9 years in prison, Davila-Morales said. Glendora Mayor Karen Davis said while the alleged actions of Radogna are disturbing, the police department as a whole is exemplary. "While it is disappointing that this happened, it's no reflection of the outstanding job they do 24-7 for the community," she said. Councilman Kenneth Herman echoed Davis' sentiments. "This is just one person who should not ruin the entire image of our fine police department," he said. "It's an aberration that's been taken care of." brian.day@sgvn.com (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2718