Saturday, April 12, 2014

Former Officer George Edward Hopper Charged with Stealing from FOP

 A former Muncie police officer has been charged with stealing more than $26,000 from a Fraternal Order of Police lodge while he served as treasurer.

The Star Press reports 40-year-old George Edward Hopper turned himself in at the Delaware County jail on Friday and was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

Hopper could not be reached for comment because the telephone listing for him had been disconnected. It was not known if he has hired an attorney.

Hopper resigned the Muncie Police Department in March 2013, after FOP officials launched an investigation into missing funds. He had been a police officer for nearly 15 years.

Court documents show Hopper previously repaid $12,000, and Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold said the former officer paid an additional $14,000 in restitution Friday.

Officer David Reece Charged with Residential Entry and Battery

An IMPD officer was arrested Friday night on charges of residential entry and battery, police officials have confirmed.

Indianapolis Police Officer David Reece was taken into custody Friday night after a disturbance on the 8800 block of William Penn Circle, near the intersection of 75th Street and Sargent Road just north of Lawrence.

According to a statement issued Saturday, witness accounts and observations made by IMPD detectives led to the arrest of Reece, 45, on two counts of battery and one count of residential entry.

Police said Reece was taken into custody without incident.

IMPD spokesman Officer Christopher Wilburn said Reece has been suspended without pay pending the results of an internal investigation.

In September, Reece and his partner Officer Jason Scott were lauded after they purchased new bikes for two young children who'd had theirs stolen.