Ex-LA-area cop pleads no contest to embezzlement

(AP) – Los Angeles County prosecutors say a 36-year-old man has pleaded no contest to embezzling tens of thousands of dollars when he was a police officer and union treasurer.

A district attorney’s statement says former Arcadia police officer Christian Blesch entered the plea Friday to one count of grand theft by embezzlement.

Prosecutors say Blesch began stealing from the Arcadia Police Officers’ Association after being elected treasurer in 2011, using the association’s credit card to buy clothing, exercise equipment, cigars and parts for his personal motorcycle. They say he would then pay the bills with the organization’s checking account.

Under his plea deal, Blesch will be sentenced to six months in jail and three years of probation. He also must pay $42,000 in restitution.

He’s scheduled for formal sentencing in September.