Visalia police officer accused of fraud involving the DMV

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A police officer in Visalia is facing several forgery charges. The Department of Motor Vehicles has been investigating Officer Jacob Heaton for several years. They say he has been buying and selling cars then lying to the DMV about how much he paid so he can pay less in taxes.

Heaton also allegedly lied on DMV forms. The Tulare County District Attorney has charged Heaton with two felonies and five misdemeanors.

Anthony Fultz, Tulare County Assistant District Attorney, said, "We try to treat everyone equally and the fact that the defendant in this case is a police officer is disappointing as a member of the community but as a prosecutor we have to look at treating everyone equally."

If Heaton is convicted he could face nearly five years in state prison. The Visalia Police Department has put Heaton on paid administrative leave during the investigation.

ABC30 reached out to Heaton's attorney but we have not heard back.