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Former Oxnard police officer faces grand theft charges

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A former Oxnard police officer who allegedly stole a suspect's cash and misused a city-issued gas card has been charged with two felonies, authorities said.

Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites said an investigation revealed that 34-year-old Randi Breon Vines allegedly took more than $1,200 from a suspect in custody and used the gas card to get more than $3,300 worth of gas US dollars to buy his personal vehicles.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has charged Vines with two counts of grand larceny. During arraignment Tuesday in Ventura County Superior Court, Vines pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The former officer worked for the department from October 2017 until Sept. 12. Benites would not say whether Vines resigned or was fired.

Vines was placed on administrative leave on May 14 following an incident earlier that month in which a suspect was arrested while carrying more than $1,300 in cash. The arresting officer took possession of the money along with the man's other belongings and took him to jail.

Vines took custody of the man to process him for booking, Benites said. During the trial, his body camera was reportedly turned off for the next three hours.

When the envelope was checked again later that day, there was only about $100 inside, the chief said.

During a subsequent criminal and internal investigation in July, investigators discovered discrepancies in Vines' fuel card usage. The alleged violations took place between September 2022 and May 2024, Benites said.

Prosecutors announced the charges in a press release.

“Police officers are charged with protecting and serving the community,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said in a statement. “When that trust is violated, they must be held accountable.”

Vines is scheduled for an early disposition conference on the afternoon of Dec. 11 in Courtroom 11.

Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected].

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