WARREN (WWJ) -- A Warren Police officer has been charged with embezzlement in connection with a program that supports kids who are interested in law enforcement.
According to the the Warren Police Department, Officer Jack Barnes was charged Friday with Embezzlement from a Charitable Organization, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
The investigation, which was opened by the Macomb County Sheriff's Department back in July of this year, showed Barnes allegedly stole between $200 and $1,000 from the event, according to authorities.
Barnes, who has been with the department for two years, has been on administrative leave and will have a hearing regarding his job status in the coming days.
Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins said, in a statement: “Any time an officer falls short of our standards, it hurts the entire Department and community. But our integrity and professionalism are defined by how we respond. I want the community to know that we acted swiftly to root out
this misconduct, and the process of accountability is moving forward.
"The inappropriate actions of this one officer do not define the 200 plus members of the Warren Police Department who proudly wear the badge and serve the community with integrity. We are fully committed to ensuring the Police Explorer Program continues to thrive and receive our complete support. We guarantee the necessary resources and oversight for the Explorer Program to continue its vital work for our community’s youth.”
Barnes was arraigned at the 40th District Court, a not guilty plea was entered, and a personal recognizance bond was set at $5,000
He's scheduled to return to court on Nov. 18.