Ex-police officer admits stealing $300,000 from dead friend's account

Ivan Rodriguez, a former police officer at Naval Base San Diego, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday. He admitted to keeping almost $300,000 in benefits that belonged to a dead co-worker.

The total amount taken includes more than $200,000 in Retirement Insurance Benefits and $85,000 in Federal Employees Retirement Systems payments. Rodriguez also collected $3,200 in Economic Impact Payments. He continued these withdrawals until 2025.

Rodriguez, 47, lived in El Cajon. He had known his co-worker well. In 2013, the retired officer gave Rodriguez power of attorney over his financial affairs. Rodriguez also became the sole trustee of the man's living trust and a co-signatory on the bank account used for retirement checks.

The co-worker died in Baja California in 2016. Prosecutors say Rodriguez knew about the death but did not tell the government or the bank. He kept the account active and continued to deposit the funds into his own hands for nine years.

The U.S. Attorney's Office charged him with receipt, concealment, and retention of stolen public money. The plea agreement sets his sentencing date for February. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.