Former Farmersville Police Sergeant Charged with Embezzlement
Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges against Rafael “Ralph” Vasquez, age 51, for financial crimes pertaining to funds utilized for the Farmersville Police Department’s explorer program, and the Farmersville Police Officer’s Association, organizations of which he served as advisor and treasurer. The charges were filed on December 9, 2024.
Vasquez is charged with two counts felony grand theft by embezzlement and two counts of felony grand theft. It is alleged that between 2018 and 2023, Vasquez embezzled approximately $35,000 using digital transfers to his personal account for his personal benefit.
The investigation was initiated in August 2023 by Farmersville Police Chief Jay Brock, who contacted the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office with his concerns. As a result of Chief Brock’s contact, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations Forensic Fraud Unit began an investigation into allegations of embezzlement. TCDA criminal investigators interviewed numerous current and former city employees and executed several search warrants pertaining to bank statements, digital images, and videos.
On December 11, 2024, Vasquez surrendered himself to TCDA criminal investigators and was booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial facility and released on $60,000 bail. An arraignment is scheduled in Superior Court on January 9, 2025.
If convicted on all charges, Vasquez up to three years in local jail under Penal Code 1170(h) in addition to restitution. Under current law, these charges are not eligible for a state prison commitment.
This is a continuing investigation. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the TCDA Bureau of Investigations at 559-636-5410.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dan Underwood (559) 636-5494 and the Farmersville Police Department (559) 747-1243