Los Angeles Sheriff's Recruit Arrested for Alleged $120K ATM Theft

A recently hired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recruit has been arrested in connection with incidences of theft and arson that occurred last year in the Santa Clarita area, officials said Wednesday.

Julio Cesar Jimenez was arrested Feb. 15 on suspicion of felony arson, grand theft and embezzlement amid his training at the Sheriff’s Academy, the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.

Jimenez allegedly committed the crimes weeks before he joined the Sheriff’s Department. His employment has since been terminated, officials told KTLA .

He is accused of robbing an ATM in Newhall on Nov. 28, 2017, and in an incidence of arson on Dec. 1. Sheriff’s officials did not say what he is suspected of setting fire to.

A total of $120,000 was stolen from the ATM, the Los Angeles Times reported.