TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A former Farmersville Police Sergeant was charged after he was found to have embezzled money from the department's explorer program, the Tulare County District Attorney's Office announced. The DA states from 2018 to 2023, it is alleged that 51-year-old Rafael "Ralph" Vasquez embezzled about $35,000 using digital transfers to his personal account for his personal benefit. Court records reveal the funds came from the Farmersville Police Department’s explorer program and the Farmersville Police Officer’s Association. In both organizations, Vasquez served as advisor and treasurer. The investigation began in August 2023, attorneys state when Farmersville Police Chief Jay Brock contacted the DA's office with his concerns. The DA's Bureau of Investigations Forensic Fraud Unit began an investigation into allegations of embezzlement; interviewing current and former city employees and serving search warrants to bank statements, digital images, and videos. The DA says Vasquez was charged on Monday with two counts of felony grand theft by embezzlement and two counts of felony grand theft. Officials report Vasquez surrendered himself to criminal investigators on Wednesday and was booked and released on a $60,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled in Superior Court on Jan. 9 2025. If convicted on all charges, attorneys state Vazquez could face up to three years in local jail in addition to restitution. Under current law, the charges are not eligible for a state prison commitment. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact the Tulare County District Attorney's Bureau of Investigations at 559-636-5410.