Former Officer Seeks New Trial Over Conviction

ROHNERT PARK-COTATI, CA — A former Rohnert Park police officer seeks a new federal trial, arguing that co-defendant testimony contradicts key evidence in a Highway 101 extortion and impersonation case that led to his July conviction and possible 20-year sentence.

Joseph Huffaker is seeking a new trial, contending that a co-defendant gave contradictory and allegedly false testimony undermining the jury’s verdict.

His attorney, Karen Landau, claimed the co-defendant gave "false testimony" regarding allegations Huffaker obstructed a federal investigation. She cited court filings and reports to support this.

U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney is now scheduled to hear the motion on April 15, as the case continues to move toward sentencing following repeated delays.

The new motion for a retrial adds another delay to a case that has already had sentencing pushed back multiple times since the July federal jury conviction.

Prosecutors allege the two former officers ran a years-long scheme. They claim it took place through the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety drug interdiction team. Prosecutors said Huffaker and a fellow officer, Brendan "Jacy" Tatum, posed as federal agents during Highway 101 traffic stops. They then seized cash and cannabis from drivers.

A federal jury convicted Huffaker in July on six counts, including conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion, conspiracy to falsify records in a federal investigation, falsifying records, conspiracy to impersonate a federal officer, and impersonating a federal officer.

In one key incident cited at trial, prosecutors said Huffaker joined a traffic stop involving 23 pounds of marijuana. They claim the officers falsely identified themselves as ATF agents before seizing the drugs.

Huffaker was originally scheduled to be sentenced in October. The court postponed the hearing to Jan. 21, 2026, then rescheduled proceedings again as new motions and filings accumulated.

The delays also affect Huffaker's co-defendant Tatum, who faces related sentencing in the same federal case. Tatum pleaded guilty in 2021 to conspiracy and related charges. These include falsifying records and tax evasion.

Investigators found body camera footage and other evidence of undocumented seizures.

Both men are accused of continuing stops even after the official end of the interdiction program.