LOS ANGELES — A 20-year-old man was charged today with posing as a police officer to threaten and steal from immigrants in the Pomona area.
Andres Sanchez of Ontario has been charged with ten felony counts: five counts of false imprisonment by violence, three counts of second-degree robbery and two counts of attempted second-degree robbery.
The felony complaint includes a special allegation that the defendant impersonated a peace officer during the alleged crimes. Additionally, the charging document alleges Sanchez personally used a firearm during one of the incidents.
Furthermore, the felony complaint states that when the alleged crimes were committed, the defendant was either released from custody on bail or on his own recognizance in another case.
Sanchez was scheduled to be arraigned today, but the court appearance was continued to Jan. 3 in Department F of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pomona Branch.
Prosecutors said between Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, Sanchez allegedly dressed himself in a law enforcement uniform, drove in an unmarked vehicle and pulled over drivers he believed were immigrants.
Sanchez then reportedly threatened deportation if the drivers did not hand over money, jewelry or cell phones, prosecutors added. Following a tip from a concerned citizen, Sanchez was apprehended on Dec. 21.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 25 years and four months in state prison.
