Police worker gets prison time

COVINA - A former civilian employee of the Covina Police Department who pleaded guilty in December to stealing more than $300,000 in city funds was sentenced Wednesday to state prison, the district attorney's office announced.Deputy District Attorney Edward Miller of the Public Integrity Division said Louise Vance-Wasilchin, 58, was sentenced to a state prison term of two years, eight months. West Covina Superior Court Commissioner Harold Mulville ordered Vance-Wasilchin to pay $309,000 to the City of Covina. The Covina Police Department seized $5,000 which was in turn forfeited to the city. Vance-Wasilchin of Upland pleaded guilty to one count each of misappropriation of public monies and secreting of a public record on Dec. 23, 2011. The defendant, a former police records supervisor with the Covina Police Department, stole city funds from January 2008 through May 2011 that came from parking meters, parking fines and impound fees. Covina police launched an investigation after allegedly noticing a bag full of quarters in her car while investigating an accident in April. She also allegedly hid a police report on a hit-and-run and driving under the influence case involving her son-in-law. Authorities said an investigation revealed that the report was never delivered to be filed in court. There was no evidence that her son-in-law was aware of her actions, according to authorities.

********** Published: March 29, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 50