Dallas Police Officer Accused of Stealing from the City
A Dallas police officer accused of stealing from the city turned himself in to jail Wednesday, according to court records.
Charges and Investigation
A Dallas County grand jury on Friday charged Senior Cpl. Shawn Freeman, 58, with property theft valued between $2,500 and $30,000, a third-degree felony. An indictment handed up by the grand jury accuses the 29-year officer of “acquiring or otherwise exercising control over [money] without the effective consent” of the city.
The exact nature of the investigation was not immediately clear. Grand juries are empaneled in secret to review the work of investigators and prosecutors and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to merit a trial on criminal charges.
Officer’s Background and Service
Freeman joined the department in December 1995. Corbin Rubinson, a department spokesperson, said he is assigned to patrol in the department’s North Central Division, which spans North Dallas and Far North Dallas.
Alleged Theft and Investigation Timeline
The alleged theft took place on Dec. 7 and Jan. 26, according to the indictment.
Freeman has been on administrative leave since Jan. 29. The department’s Public Integrity Unit — which reviews allegations of misconduct involving city officials and employees, including police officers — was investigating him for alleged off-duty or overtime violations, according to an internal document obtained in a records request by The Dallas Morning News.
Legal Consequences and Bail
Freeman’s bail was set at $1,500, according to court records. Jail records no longer listed him in Dallas County custody Thursday afternoon.
A third-degree felony, if convicted, is punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
Court records do not list an attorney for Freeman. Attempts to reach him for comment Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful.
Breaking News
Conclusion
The case of Senior Cpl. Shawn Freeman is a serious one, with potential consequences of up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The investigation and indictment highlight the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Senior Cpl. Shawn Freeman accused of?
A: Freeman is accused of property theft valued between $2,500 and $30,000, a third-degree felony.
Q: When did the alleged theft take place?
A: The alleged theft took place on Dec. 7 and Jan. 26, according to the indictment.
Q: What is the potential punishment if Freeman is convicted?
A: A third-degree felony, if convicted, is punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
Q: Is Freeman still in custody?
A: No, jail records no longer listed him in Dallas County custody Thursday afternoon.
Q: How long has Freeman been with the Dallas Police Department?
A: Freeman joined the department in December 1995.
