Providence officer pleads not guilty to theft charges

 By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ A Providence officer accused of stealing jewelry and other items from a police evidence room has pleaded not guilty to felony charges.

Sixty-one-year-old Michael McCarthy appeared in Superior Court Friday to face charges of larceny of a firearm, receiving stolen goods, larceny over $1,500 and embezzlement.

He was released on $5,000 personal recognizance. The Warwick resident and 36-year veteran officer has been suspended from the department.

McCarthy is accused of stealing a gun, a diamond ring and cash from the evidence room.                 

Police officials have said they don’t believe any current cases are affected by the thefts.

They say a sergeant noticed jewelry was missing as police prepared to return it to its owner.

© The Associated Press/ WLNE-TV 2015