By Lisa Pickoff-White, The Associated Press and Bay City News
Monterey County sheriff's deputies on Tuesday morning arrested the King City police chief, four other officers and the former police chief on corruption charges, including embezzlement and bribery.
Authorities say police officers in the Salinas Valley town took part in a scheme to steal more than 200 cars from poor Latinos. Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo said in a statement Tuesday that the vehicles were impounded and towed, but when the owners were unable to pay the fees their cars were sold or given for free to some officers. The FBI aided in the arrests, which resulted from a six-month investigation.
The six current and former King City police officers who were arrested include acting Police Chief Bruce Miller and former chief Nick Baldiviez. District Attorney Dean Flippo told KSBW the officers are facing corruption charges, including bribery and embezzlement.
Officer Mario Mottu Sr., Officer Jaime Andrade, Sgt. Bobby Carrillo and Sgt. Mark Baker were also arrested. King City, a town of more than 13,000 residents, has 17 sworn police officers.