Providence Police officer charged with stealing from evidence room

By News Staff

news@abc6.com 

Providence Police announced a felony charge against one of their own officers.

Along with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, the Providence Police Department charged 36-year veteran Officer Michael McCarthy with a criminal offense.

An investigation began when about a week and a half ago the Sergeant in charge of the Property and Evidence room discovered items were missing from a safe.

An immediate audit was conducted, and investigation revealed that Officer McCarthy, who was one of two people allowed to access the private evidence locker, was responsible for a missing piece of jewelry.

McCarthy was officially charged and arraigned on fraudulent conversion, and was released on $5,000 bail after today’s arraignment. He has been placed on paid administrative leave. 

At a press conference Thursday at the Providence Public Safety Complex, officials say McCarthy violated the public’s trust, and that his actions come as a shock. 

Police believe other items may be missing, and further charges are expected. 
(C) WLNE-TV 2014