Torrance police officers plead guilty to painting swastika on car

Two former Torrance police officers pleaded guilty recently to felony vandalism charges for spray painting a victim’s vehicle with a swastika in January 2020.

Christopher Tomsic and Cody Weldin pled guilty Thursday after initially pleading not guilty to the charges in 2021.

The victim’s vehicle was tied to a reported mail theft and was taken to a tow yard. When the defendants in the mail theft case came to pick up their car, they discovered the swastika painted on the car’s rear seat, as well as a happy face painted on the front seat.

“Vandalizing property with hateful messages is reprehensible and violates the oath police officers take to uphold the law and protect and serve their communities,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

Tomsic and Weldin, both 32, pleaded guilty to one count each of felon vandalism and were sentenced to two years of formal probation, restitution to the victim, the surrender of their Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, 100 hours of community service, a tour of the Museum of Tolerance and 15 hours of Anti-Racism coursework, the D.A.’s office stated.

In addition, officials ensured Tomsic and Weldin “will never again work as police officers in our state,” Hochman said.

The Torrance Police Department was commended by the D.A.’s Office for its swift action against the officers.

“The actions of these former officers were disgraceful and violated the core values of our department,” Torrance Police Chief Jeremiah Hart said.

A progress report is scheduled for July 10 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.