The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
A Newport News police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony embezzlement charge.
Thomas D. Crouch was accused of taking money from a Police Emerald Society of Tidewater account that held fund-raising money, according to a summary of evidence submitted to the court. Crouch, who was president of the society from September 2007 through June 2008, admitted to members that he took more than $5,400 because he had fallen on financial hard times.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Crouch must resign from the Newport News Police Department and return the money by June 10.
His sentencing hearing has been delayed for two years. During that time Crouch must remain on good behavior, must not work in law enforcement, and must not try to obtain any law enforcement certifications. If he abides by those conditions, the circuit judge will vacate the guilty finding on the felony charge and instead will convict Crouch of a misdemeanor and give him a one-year suspended jail sentence.
If he does not abide by the terms of the plea agreement he will retain the felony conviction and be sentenced by a judge.
Newport News police spokeswoman Officer Holly McPherson said Crouch remained on paid administrative leave on Thursday.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
