Felony Convictions Reduced for Ex-Torrance Police Officers in Swastika Case

Judge cites officers' good behavior on probation and belief they will be 'contributing members of society'.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spray-painted swastika symbol against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct camera flash lighting.A stark visual reminder of the troubling actions of law enforcement officers who violated the public's trust.Los Angeles Today

A judge has reduced the felony convictions to misdemeanors for two former Torrance police officers who pleaded guilty last year to a vandalism charge stemming from a swastika that was found spray-painted inside an impounded vehicle. The judge cited the officers' good behavior on probation and his belief that they will be 'contributing members of society' in making the decision.

Why it matters

The case highlighted issues of misconduct and abuse of power by law enforcement officers, which can erode public trust in the police. The reduction of the charges to misdemeanors has raised concerns about accountability and the potential for officers to avoid serious consequences for their actions.

The details

Christopher Tomsic and Cody Weldin, both 33, pleaded guilty last year to a vandalism charge after a swastika was found spray-painted inside an impounded vehicle they were responsible for. The two former officers were also required to surrender their certification to be police officers in California and pay court fees and fines.

  • On January 27, 2020, the officers responded to a call about stolen mail and found a vehicle that may have been used in the crime.
  • In August 2021, the former officers were charged with the vandalism incident.
  • On April 17, 2026, the judge reduced the felony convictions to misdemeanors.

The players

Christopher Tomsic

A former Torrance police officer who pleaded guilty to a vandalism charge last year.

Cody Weldin

A former Torrance police officer who pleaded guilty to a vandalism charge last year.

Sam Ohta

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who reduced the felony convictions to misdemeanors.

John Perroni

The deputy district attorney who objected to the early termination of probation.

Jeremiah Hart

The former Torrance Police Chief who said the actions of the former officers were 'disgraceful and violated the core values of our department'.

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What they’re saying

“I have done everything I can to lead a good, moral life since this incident. I know what I did was wrong and I deserved my punishment.”

— Christopher Tomsic

“I'm glad this is over for my client.”

— Tom Yu, Weldin's attorney

“The actions of these former officers were disgraceful and violated the core values of our department.”

— Jeremiah Hart, Former Torrance Police Chief

What’s next

The attorneys for Tomsic and Weldin plan to file a motion seeking to have the case expunged.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of holding law enforcement accountable for misconduct and the need for stronger oversight and transparency measures to rebuild public trust in the police.