Ex-Costa Mesa Cop Pleads Guilty to Stalking Mistress Using Police Cameras

Robert Jay Josett admitted to using law enforcement tools to track his wife and former lover.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:06am

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An extreme close-up of a police badge or handcuffs, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of the abuse of power and the need for accountability.The misuse of law enforcement tools for personal gain erodes public trust in the justice system.Orange Today

A former Costa Mesa police officer has pleaded guilty to using law enforcement databases, license plate readers, and other tools to stalk his wife and mistress. Robert Jay Josett, 35, admitted to making thousands of calls and texts to his mistress, violating a restraining order, and accessing confidential information not related to his job duties.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious abuse of power when law enforcement officers misuse their access to sensitive databases and surveillance tools for personal reasons. It raises concerns about the potential for such technology to be exploited and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures.

The details

Josett pleaded guilty to three misdemeanors, including unauthorized computer access, repeated phone calls, and violating a restraining order. He was ordered to complete a domestic violence program and sentenced to three years of probation. Prosecutors said Josett bombarded his mistress with messages and calls after she ended their relationship in 2024, threatened to post explicit photos, and used police databases and license plate readers to track her and her new boyfriend.

  • Josett's relationship with his mistress ended in April 2024.
  • He was placed on leave from the Costa Mesa Police Department in December 2023.
  • Josett allegedly used FLOCK license plate readers to track his mistress' new boyfriend in June 2024.
  • Josett was fired by the Costa Mesa Police Department on June 28, 2024.

The players

Robert Jay Josett

A 35-year-old former police officer with the Costa Mesa Police Department who pleaded guilty to stalking his wife and mistress using law enforcement tools.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer

The district attorney who prosecuted Josett, stating that the former officer's actions were "obsessive, they are frightening and they are dangerous."

Costa Mesa Police Department

The law enforcement agency that employed Josett and terminated his employment in June 2024 after the allegations came to light.

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What they’re saying

“No one should have to live in fear of being tracked through law enforcement databases by someone with a badge and a gun because they decided to call off a romantic relationship.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney

“The actions engaged by someone employed as a sworn police officer are obsessive, they are frightening and they are dangerous.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney

What’s next

The Peace Officers Standards and Training, which governs law enforcement licensing in California, is reviewing Josett's certification following his guilty plea and termination.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent law enforcement officers from abusing their access to sensitive databases and surveillance tools for personal reasons, which can have serious consequences for public trust and safety.