Officer Rafael Antonio Perez is charged with three felony counts of possessing cocaine for sale, grand theft and forgery, reported CBS 2 News.
Perez worked in the LAPD for nine years as an undercover narcotics and anti-gang unit officer, said The Associated Press. He was arrested in August and charged with stealing the evidentiary cocaine valued at $800,000 from a police headquarters evidence room in March.
He allegedly "signed out" for the cocaine on an evidence log at Parker Center, using the name, serial number and assignment of a fellow officer, said wire service reports. On March 27, officers noticed the cocaine had not been returned, prompting the department to conduct an audit. The cocaine was never recovered.
Perez is being held on $550,000 bail. He's scheduled to enter a plea on Oct. 20.
Officer To Stand Trial For Cocaine Theft
LAPD Officer Allegedly Used Another Officer's ID To Sign Out Drugs
LOS ANGELES, Posted 9:40 p.m. October 6, 1998 -- A plainclothes Los Angeles Police Department officer has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly stealing three kilos of cocaine from an evidence locker.