By RICHARD WINTON
Ex-Arcadia cop pleads no contest to embezzling nearly
$42,000 from police association as its treasurer
Ex-Arcadia cop convicted of grand theft for stealing
from police association, faces 180 days in jail
Arcadia police officer who stole nearly $42,000 from
police union while treasurer gets 180 days
A former Arcadia police officer pleaded no contest
Friday to stealing nearly $42,000 from a police association while serving as
treasurer, using the money to buy such items as cigars and motorcycle parts.
Christian E. Blesch, 36, pleaded no contest to one
count of grand theft by embezzlement and was set to be sentenced Sept. 30, when
he will be ordered to serve 180 days in county jail and placed on probation for
three years.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Geoffrey Rendon said Blesch began
stealing funds from the Arcadia Police Officers’ Assn. after being elected its
treasurer in 2011.
Blesch used the association’s credit card to buy parts
and accessories for his motorcycles, as well as personal items such as
clothing, exercise equipment and cigars, the prosecutor said. He then paid the
monthly credit card bills through the organization’s checking account.
Blesch also put a deposit down on a new motorcycle,
using association funds. He resigned from the Arcadia Police Department last
fall, the same day a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Blesch and another Arcadia police officer were placed
on administrative leave in March 2013 after allegations were made regarding the
association's funds.
That officer, John Jurman, another association
official, was never charged by prosecutors because they determined there was no
evidence he committed a crime.
As part of the plea, Blesch has agreed to pay back the
nearly $42,000 he embezzled.
