A former Fresno police detective was taken into custody Thursday after a federal and state investigation found that he had improperly taken cash from the department’s evidence room and failed to return it.

Authorities said additional details, including the former detective’s identity, will be released later Thursday.

A check of the Fresno County Jail records by GV Wire showed that former Fresno police officer Rey Medeles, 37, was arrested at 1:05 p.m. Thursday and booked into the facility at 1:51 p.m.

He faces a charge of grand theft and bail has been set at $30,000.

Fresno Police Discovered Missing Funds in May 2024

The Fresno Police Department discovered the missing funds in May 2024. Concerned that the theft could indicate a larger problem, officials requested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation conduct a full, independent criminal investigation.

An internal administrative review led to the detective’s termination in June 2025.

“Although this arrest is not a proud moment for me or our department, I want to reassure the public that when we discover serious misconduct, we take swift and decisive action,” said Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto. “I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of the FBI and California DOJ in helping us to ensure the former detective is held accountable for his actions.”

The FBI, in coordination with the California Department of Justice, handled the arrest.

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