ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona DPS trooper arrested for allegedly defrauding agency

Jul 12, 2019, 8:23 AM

Pedro Javier Aguila Muniz (MCSO Photo)...

Pedro Javier Aguila Muniz (MCSO Photo)

(MCSO Photo)

PHOENIX — An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper was arrested Wednesday for allegedly defrauding the agency and a contractor.

Pedro Javier Aguila Muniz, 27, worked for the Highway Patrol Division’s Metro Bureau for about two years, according to a DPS press release.

The department began a criminal investigation into Aguila in May due to discrepancies between his time sheets and patrol vehicle mileage.

The agency said it found that Aguila had used his patrol vehicle for personal use and used a state-issued credit card to make unauthorized gas purchases.

He was also found to have used the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System to look up people without a criminal justice purpose, a violation of state law.

Aguila was arrested at the department’s headquarters and charged with fraudulent schemes, fraudulent use of a credit card, theft of a credit card, forgery and unauthorized access of criminal history.

“Aguila’s extensive misuse of department-issued property and his willingness to violate clear and specific laws, policies and rules was evident throughout the investigation conducted by our detectives,” DPS Director Col. Frank Milstead said in the release.

Array

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

South Phoenix school district...

Balin Overstolz McNair

South Phoenix school district may close several campuses in effort to save money

A south Phoenix school district board will vote Thursday to close down five of its schools in an effort to boost educational outcomes and spending efficiency.

19 minutes ago

100 HAWK signals keeping pedestrians safe in Phoenix...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix adds 100th HAWK crosswalk to protect pedestrians

There are now 100 HAWK signals in Phoenix intersections. These pedestrian signal crossings are furthering the city's street safety goals.

34 minutes ago

The Arizona Department of Transportation will receive a $27.5 million grant to improve two Intersta...

Bailey Leasure

ADOT granted $27 million to improve I-40 connections to Navajo Nation capital

The Arizona Department of Transportation will receive a $27 million grant to improve two Interstate 40 connections to Window Rock.

9 hours ago

The westbound Loop 303 is closed at Interstate 17 near 51st Avenue in Phoenix due to a vehicle cras...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Westbound Loop 303 lanes closed at I-17 due to car crash

The westbound Loop 303 is closed at Interstate 17 near 51st Avenue in Phoenix due to a vehicle crash, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

10 hours ago

Neighbor and Satellite Coffee, two Phoenix companies, have teamed up for a new showroom. (Mack Medi...

Bailey Leasure

Furniture designer, coffee company team up for new Phoenix showroom

Neighbor and Satellite Coffee have teamed up for a new Phoenix showroom that will offer an outdoor space where customers can enjoy coffee and pastries.

11 hours ago

Plane crash Falcon Field...

ABC15.com Staff

Preliminary report offers new details in plane crash that killed 5 people near Falcon Field

A preliminary NTSB report provides some details on the moments before a small plane crashed and killed five people near Falcon Field in November.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

DISC Desert Institute for Spine Care

The best methods to make your back pain disappear for good

Are you struggling with back pain that will not go away?

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

Arizona DPS trooper arrested for allegedly defrauding agency