DETROIT (WXYZ) — Four corporals and two sergeants at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office are facing possible criminal charges after an investigation into property theft and time card fraud.
While Wayne County’s prosecutor decides whether charges are warranted, four of the six employees have been suspended and two others have been reassigned.
Sources in the sheriff’s office tell us that the employees are alleged to have taken property that belonged to jail inmates that was handed over during the intake process. The items included a laptop and cell phones.
Items that are never picked up go to the county’s annual surplus auction, but in this case, it appears the property was taken.
“No one is above the law. People must have confidence,” said Willie Bell, who spent more than 30 years in law enforcement for the Detroit Police Department. He said theft by officers—big or small—erodes confidence in law enforcement.
While the Sheriff’s office was investigating the possible theft, we’ve learned they also ran across suspected time card fraud involving the same employees.
“It’s a matter of trust, because if you engage in something minor, it might be something serious down the line,” Bell said.
Once Worthy’s office makes a decision on whether or not to bring charges, the sheriff’s office will consider what sort of administrative action to take, which could include termination.
Contact 7 Investigator Ross Jones at ross.jones@wxyz.com or at (248) 827-9466.