Garden Grove police face gun theft raid and officer sexual assault case

Garden Grove police stopped a U-Haul cargo van on a routine traffic stop, discovering a loaded handgun, a stolen police jacket and duty belt, and multiple felony warrants. Three individuals were arrested and face charges including felon possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, false identification, and probation violations.

Separately, former Garden Grove officer Roberto Machuca was charged with five felonies for an alleged sexual relationship with a 16‑year‑old police explorer. He pleaded not guilty, was released on $100,000 bail, and faces up to five years in state prison and a ten‑year sex‑offender registration requirement if convicted.