OKC Police Detective Charged With Embezzlement

The past six months have been long for Master Sgt. Steven Vassar, but not as long as his 26-year career with the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Since November, Vassar has been investigated for charges of embezzlement.

OKCPD Spokesperson Paco Balderrama said, “That’s when we received info he possibly had property that was stolen and recovered, and Sgt. Vassar was using them for his personal use.”

It was Vassar’s wife who tipped off police and turned in three stolen laptops, valued at $3,100.

Anything over $500 is considered a felony.

Police said the department rules about what to do with recovered materials are clear.

“It’s protocol anytime stolen items are recovered by a police officer that’s documented in a report and the items are usually booked into OKCPD property room for recovery purposes.”

A court affidavit showed Vassar never checked the laptops into the department’s property room. He also, never reported them to police as being recovered.

Vassar has been on administrative leave and will remain that way until the case is settled.