Dallas Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Theft

A Dallas police officer allegedly stole nearly $38,000 worth of products from three local Apple retail stores earlier this year, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit.

Senior Cpl. Le Chau turned himself in to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office last week, according to Dallas police. The department said he is facing a third-degree felony theft charge and was placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Background of the Incident

According to the affidavit, Chau was working as an off-duty, overnight security guard for several Apple stores in the city. It also says he frequently spent time in the stockroom aisles and monitored the stores’ surveillance cameras.

He would also often bring bags to the store and leave his shift with them looking full, the affidavit says.

Investigation and Evidence

A corporate employee from Apple’s global security team had investigated a notable number of missing products from several Dallas retail locations, according to the affidavit. He told police the stores then installed covert cameras to record the officer’s activity during his shifts.

On live surveillance conducted between March 24 and 25, Chau was seen taking around 25 products, according to the affidavit. It says the value of the alleged stolen merchandise from the Apple store at the Galleria Dallas mall, located at 13350 Dallas Parkway, was $17,271.

The Apple employee reported the second theft allegation to Dallas police on March 29. The affidavit says surveillance cameras filmed Chau concealing five products — worth $6,255 — from the store located at 3101 Knox Street.

Police said they received the third theft allegation on April 16. Surveillance cameras captured the officer removing 32 products from the Knox Street store with a value of $14,280, according to the affidavit.

Details of the Alleged Theft

In all of these instances, Chau was seen concealing items in his Dallas police raid jacket, the affidavit says.

On April 22, the Apple corporate employee also provided screenshots showing Chau’s wife selling Apple products on Facebook Marketplace, according to the document. A day later, the affidavit says the FBI detained and interviewed the couple at DFW International Airport while also executing a federal search warrant at their residence in Dallas.

Reaction and Next Steps

Chau’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a comment request from The Dallas Morning News Wednesday afternoon.

Staff writer Matt Kyle contributed to this report.

Conclusion

The alleged theft by a Dallas police officer has raised concerns about the integrity and trustworthiness of law enforcement officials. The incident is currently under investigation, and the officer is facing serious charges. It is essential to wait for the outcome of the investigation and the trial to determine the officer’s guilt or innocence.

FAQs

Q: What is the alleged theft amount?

A: The alleged theft amount is nearly $38,000 worth of products from three local Apple retail stores.

Q: What is the charge against the officer?

A: The officer is facing a third-degree felony theft charge.

Q: What is the current status of the officer?

A: The officer is on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Q: What is the role of the FBI in the investigation?

A: The FBI detained and interviewed the couple at DFW International Airport and executed a federal search warrant at their residence in Dallas.