A former Tucson police officer who misused a police database multiple times over a seven-month period in 2009 was sentenced to three years probation Thursday.
Angel Montalvo, 30, pleaded guilty in December to three counts of computer tampering, 10 months after being indicted on 12 felony counts of computer tampering, identity theft and fraudulent schemes and artifices.
He admitted he used a police computer to gather information for a friend between May and December 2009.
Court documents released Thursday revealed Montalvo gave Leo Rodriguez the address and phone number of Rodriguez’s estranged wife despite knowing the wife had obtained a restraining order against Rodriguez following an alleged assault.
In addition, Montalvo also acknowledged he came across warrants for Rodriguez on four separate occasions, but simply told Rodriguez to turn himself in. Lastly, Montalvo also admitted he gave Rodriguez information on seven other people associated with Rodriguez’s estranged wife.
People are also reading…
Montalvo told FBI agents he initially though Rodriguez had a legitimate reason for wanting the information, but continued to provide it even after realizing Rodriguez was using it to stalk his estranged wife.
Montalvo could have received up to two years in prison, but Pima County Superior Court Judge Edgar Acuña placed him on probation at the urging of defense attorney Michael Storie and Assistant Arizona Attorney General Michael Jette, both of whom said the loss of his law enforcement career was punishment enough.
A warrant is outstanding for Rodriguez’s arrest on stalking charges.
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com