Steve Burns
WMAL.com
GAITHERSBURG – (WMAL) A Montgomery County police officer has been suspended with pay as authorities investigate charges that he stole multiple items over a period of two months from the Walmart in Germantown at which he worked part-time as a private security guard.
Officer Jose Barahona, 25, is charged with theft less than $100, theft $100 to under $1500, and theft scheme $100 to $1500.
In addition to his duties as a Montgomery County police officer, police said Barahona worked part-time as a private security guard at the Walmart. Police said another loss prevention officer at the store became suspicious of Barahona’s actions and alerted authorities. The items he stole were not disclosed.
Montgomery County Police spokesman Capt. Paul Starks told WMAL Barahona’s police powers have been revoked and he has been suspended with pay during the investigation. Should the charges be upgraded to felonies, Starks said Barahona’s pay will be taken away.
Copyright 2018 WMAL.com All Rights Reserved. (Photo: Montgomery County Police)
