Baltimore Police Officer Accused Of Embezzling Money From Business During Inspection

Baltimore Police Officer Eric Payton has been convicted of theft and misconduct for pocketing an envelope containing $111 while checking on a business with an open door.

Payton, who was supposed to ensure no break-in occurred, failed to submit the envelope to evidence control. Security camera footage revealed the incident, leading to his conviction. Payton is set to be sentenced on February 5.

Theft between $100 and $1,500 carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or $500 in fines.

“The actions of Officer Payton not only victimized this local business, but eroded the fragile trust between community and law enforcement,” said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “Every single upstanding officer in the police department pays the price when one of their own casts ethics aside to commit a crime against the very people they are supposed to protect and serve. I thank my Public Trust & Police Integrity Unit for pursuing and achieving justice in this case and the Baltimore Police Officers who reported this egregious act and testified in court to the crime that occurred.”