Former Officer Charged with Embezzlement

Oklahoma

A former Moffett police officer was charged Wednesday for embezzlement for allegedly failing to return police-issued weapons belonging to the town.

Larry G. Ruiz Jr., 36, of Sallisaw was charged in Sequoyah County District Court in Sallisaw with one count of embezzlement relating to a 12-gauge shotgun and a pistol, worth over $1,000, owned by the town, court records indicate.

Moffett Police Chief Charles Miller wrote in a statement that Ruiz was employed as a police officer by the town on Jan. 8, 2006. On Oct. 1, 2007, Ruiz was laid off from his position. Since that time, Miller wrote that Ruiz has been verbally asked to return any items issued to him that are property of the police department. Several attempts by Miller and other officers were made by the town to obtain the items, Miller said.

Miller spoke to Ruiz on two occasions. Ruiz allegedly told Miller that he had possession of the duty weapons, including pistols, a shotgun and Taser. Ruiz allegedly told Miller that he sold one of the pistols believing to be a gift personally to him. Miller told Ruiz to make an effort to get the pistol back and return all the items issued to him.

Ruiz allegedly told Miller that his wife, from whom he was separated, had possession of his other items. Miller told Ruiz on June 6 that he had 48 hours to return the items. Ruiz allegedly agreed to return the weapons and his police officer badges.

On July 11, Miller spoke with Ruiz again, who allegedly said he would turn in his items on the following Sunday.


Miller wrote that all efforts to get the property back have been ignored. Ruiz has a commission card that is not in effect and several deadly weapons, along with all his badges and uniforms, Miller reported. Miller wrote that Ruiz has also been enrolling in training classes as an officer for the town without Miller's permission.

Miller said his office has received a copy of a Tulsa County petition for a protective order concerning Ruiz's wife and children, filed June 6. There is also allegedly a misdemeanor warrant for Ruiz's arrest for misdemeanor harassing and threatening communication by phone, Miller wrote.