A 34-year-old former Ventura County police officer has been charged with two felony counts of grand theft, authorities announced Tuesday.
Prosecutors allege that former Oxnard Police Officer Randy Breon Vines stole a total of $4,500 between September 2022 and May 2024.
Vines used a city-issued credit card to purchase $3,300 worth of fuel for his personal vehicle, according to a news release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The 34-year-old is also accused of stealing about $1,200 from a suspect in May of this year.
Kidnapping victim in Southern California rescued using Find My iPhone app
“Following the man’s arrest by Oxnard Police, Vines was granted possession of the arrestee’s personal property, including cash,” the release states. “Vines is accused of stealing a large portion of the arrestee’s cash from an envelope before the suspect was booked into the Ventura County Jail.”
Both incidents are being investigated by the Oxnard Police Department, and Chief Jason Benitez said no one should ignore the law.
Southern California man, 30, removes child from car, then fires at another car
“We take issues like this very seriously and are accountable to those who cross the line, including our own employees,” he said.
Vines appeared in Ventura County Superior Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty. We are scheduled to appear again in December.
“Police officers are tasked with protecting and serving our communities,” Ventura County Attorney Eric Nasarenko said. If that trust is violated, they must be held accountable. ”
