OKC Officer Accused Of Pawning City-Issued Equipment

Oklahoma City police said they are investigating one of their own, an officer accused of pawning off city-issued gear. The tip to supervisors came in last month and could involve several hundred dollars worth of equipment.

Police didn't release much about the identity of the officer in question, but said he's a 10-year veteran with the department.

During this investigation, authorities said he remains on paid administrative leave while police try to determine whether the pawned items are in fact city-issued or if they belonged to the officer.

Police also remained tight-lipped on the type of equipment investigators found in the pawn shop off SW 89th Street and Walker Avenue.

“We don't believe that any police fire arms were pawned, but there are various other pieces of police equipment,” said Captain Paco Balderrama, OCPD.

The investigation began several months ago after multiple officers reported suspicious activity leading them to believe the officer was pawning off city-issued gear.

“Several pieces of property were seized from the particular pawn shop in question and they are now back in Oklahoma City police custody,” said Captain Balderrama.

At the pawn shop on Monday, the manager told News 9 he was unaware of the transaction and the investigation.

But the police report stated '89er Pawn' required the officer to sign a pawn ticket claiming ownership of the property before receiving money for the items.

“It could clear over a thousand dollars. Police equipment is very specialized and very expensive,” said Captain Balderrama.

According to Captain Balderrama, the department does have a good working relationship with the majority of metro pawn shops, routinely confiscating known stolen items following their investigations.

Once the investigation is completed, it'll be up to the District Attorney's Office to file charges. If charges aren't filed, the department will look at the issue internally to see if any policies were violated.