Lopez, 57, of Turlock, pleaded not guilty before Merced County Superior Court Commissioner Harry Jacobs, and was booked into the Merced County Jail about 10 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance.
Though he faces felony charges, Lopez is not considered a flight risk or a danger to society, said Merced County Deputy District Attorney Bruce Gilbert.
Lopez's next scheduled court appearance is a preliminary hearing set for 1:30 p.m. April 18 in Department 7.
The embezzlement charge stems from the four years -- 1997 to 2001-- he served as president of the Dos Palos Police Officers Association.
The 2003-04 grand jury report indicated someone in the police department inappropriately used police association funds by writing an excessive number of checks at liquor stores and mini-marts. The report did not say how many checks were written or for what amount, and grand jury members have declined to comment.
The grand jury's findings led to a criminal investigation by the district attorney's office. The perjury allegation concerns alleged false testimony given to the grand jury as it looked into police association problems.
Lopez, who served for more than 22 years as a police officer with the Dos Palos department, took over as chief in 2002, when former Chief Anthony Tacheira left to become chief of the Angels Camp Police Department.
Lopez retired in April 2004, citing personal reasons.
Merced County District Attorney Gordon Spencer commended the grand jury and district attorney investigators Dan Murphy and Anna Hazel for their efforts.
"When confronted with the facts that had been assembled, ex-chief Lopez admitted his guilt," Spencer said.
"Not being truthful to the grand jury strikes at the integrity of their mission and cannot be taken lightly. Hopefully, this will be a lesson to others that truthfulness under oath is not just expected, but demanded."
Ex-Dos Palos law enforcement official suspected of lying to county grand jury
Reporter Mike De La Cruz can be reached at 385-2474 or mdelacruz@mercedsun-star.com.
