Former Fountain Valley Officer Charged with Felony Theft for Fraudulent Timecards

Alleged overtime pay for unattended court cases leads to dismissal of 27 cases and pending certification review.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a police badge or handcuffs, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light and creating a dramatic, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigation into a former officer's misconduct.The harsh flash of an investigative photograph captures the stark reality of a former officer's alleged abuse of power.Fountain Valley Today

A former Fountain Valley police officer, Stuart Robert Chase, has been charged with felony grand theft and filing a false claim to a government entity after an internal investigation revealed he collected $2,590 in overtime pay for traffic court cases he did not attend, resulting in the dismissal of 27 court cases. Chase has since resigned from the department and paid back the money.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of integrity and accountability within law enforcement, as any misconduct can undermine public trust and tarnish the reputation of hardworking officers. The dismissal of 27 court cases also raises concerns about the impact on the judicial system.

The details

Prosecutors allege that between August 2021 and November 2023, Chase was paid for 12 court dates he did not actually attend, as well as 24 times he failed to appear during his regularly assigned shift. After an internal affairs investigation, Chase resigned from the Fountain Valley Police Department and paid back the full $2,590. His case has been reported to the Peace Officers Standards and Training, and his certification is pending review, potentially impacting his ability to work as an officer in the future.

  • Between August 4, 2021, and November 1, 2023, Chase allegedly collected $2,590 in overtime and comp time for court dates he did not attend.
  • On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Orange County prosecutors announced the charges against Chase.

The players

Stuart Robert Chase

A 50-year-old former police officer with the Fountain Valley Police Department who is accused of submitting fraudulent timecards and collecting overtime pay for court appearances he did not attend.

Orange County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting agency that has charged Chase with felony grand theft and filing a false claim to a government entity.

Fountain Valley Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initiated an internal investigation into Chase's timecards, leading to his resignation and the charges.

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What they’re saying

“Serving the public is a solemn responsibility, and when a member of law enforcement willfully disregards his sworn duty to uphold the law and fulfill his obligations as a peace officer, it tarnishes the reputation of every hardworking man and woman who wears the badge.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney

What’s next

Chase's certification review by the Peace Officers Standards and Training is pending, which could impact his ability to work as a police officer in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of integrity and accountability within law enforcement, as any misconduct can undermine public trust and tarnish the reputation of hardworking officers. It also raises concerns about the impact on the judicial system when court cases are dismissed due to an officer's fraudulent actions.