A federal jury in San Francisco has found former Rohnert Park police officer Joseph Huffaker guilty on six counts, including conspiracy to commit extortion and impersonating a federal officer. The verdict follows a week-long trial overseen by Senior U.S. District Judge Maxine M. Chesney.
Huffaker, 40, was accused of collaborating with fellow officer Brendan Jacy Tatum to stop drivers suspected of carrying large amounts of marijuana. They allegedly posed as ATF agents to extort marijuana from these individuals, threatening arrest if the seizures were contested. The jury also determined that Huffaker and Tatum obstructed justice by fabricating a police report and sending it to the FBI.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian commented on the case: “No traffic stop should turn into a shakedown. Misconduct by police officers undermines public safety and jeopardizes public cooperation with law enforcement.” He added that the verdict sends a strong message against misconduct by those entrusted with public safety.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani stated, “Today’s verdict affirms that no one is above the law,” highlighting how such crimes damage public confidence in law enforcement.
The scheme involved an interdiction team previously operated by RPDPS along Highway 101, which was disbanded before Huffaker and Tatum’s activities in December 2017. During this period, they conducted unauthorized stops without uniforms or body cameras.
In February 2018, following a citizen complaint about being shaken down on the highway, an FBI investigation revealed falsified reports related to these incidents.
Huffaker remains free on bond until his sentencing scheduled for October 15, 2025. He faces significant penalties for each count of his conviction.
Tatum had pleaded guilty earlier to related charges and is set for sentencing on September 3, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham Fine and Benjamin Kleinman are leading the prosecution with support from Veronica Hernandez, Amala James, and Janice Pagsanjan. The investigation involved both the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation units.
