By Joanna Putman
Police1
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has released body-worn camera footage of an incident involving an officer who was arrested and charged with embezzlement, according to a department news release.
The video, which was released by court order on June 25, showed an interaction that occurred after a traffic stop on March 14 when an officer was accused of taking cash from a detainee. The officer has since resigned.
Officer Henry Chapman took the stopped driver into custody for an outstanding warrant, according to the report. Chapman transported the arrestee to the University City Division Patrol Office to be handed over to another officer for transport to the Mecklenburg County Jail.
Body camera video shows that while awaiting the transfer of custody, the arrestee told other officers that Chapman had stolen his property.
“I just want to see, I’m not going to lie, can you check? I’m not going nowhere, can you check your fellow officer for me please?” the man can be heard saying.
A subsequent search of Chapman’s patrol vehicle revealed approximately $900 in the driver’s side door, according to the release.
A University City Division Sergeant immediately removed Chapman from the area and placed him in a separate room, according to the release. An investigation was launched into the allegations.
The University City Division’s chain of command and CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division were notified. Chapman was interviewed by detectives and following the interview, was arrested and charged with embezzlement, according to the release. He was transported to the Mecklenburg County Jail.
CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division also initiated an internal investigation. Chapman was placed on unpaid administrative leave and resigned from his position the next day, according to the release. The internal investigation found Chapman had two sustained violations related to the incident: a body-worn camera violation and conformance to laws.