Baltimore Cop Charged For Stealing Cash From Business: Records

BALTIMORE, MD — A Baltimore police officer is facing after he was reportedly caught on camera stealing cash from a business, according to authorities and a report.

Eric Payton, 46, of Baltimore was charged with misconduct in office and theft after he was accused of stealing $111 from a business in the 4800 block of Belair Road, according to court records and charging documents obtained by the Baltimore Banner.

According to the Banner report, Payton and another officer responded to an open and unsecured business where surveillance video captured Payton taking an envelope containing the cash. The owner later called police to report the theft, the Banner reported.

In a statement, Baltimore police confirmed the incident happened on Sept. 20. Once the department was made aware of the allegations, the department's Public Integrity Bureau launched an investigation.

the Department immediately suspended his police powers. After being charged on Sept. 22, Officer Payton has been suspended without pay.

Payton — a 7-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department assigned to the city's Northeast District — was charged two days later, police said. He was also suspended without pay, the department confirmed.

“The department takes misconduct in office, and other illegal behaviors, very seriously. Each member takes an oath of office to uphold the Constitution and to serve the citizens of Baltimore," Commissioner Richard Worley said in a statement. "It is of the upmost [sic] importance to the Department that we continue to work to strengthen trust with the community, strengthen relationships and remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency. This type of conduct, if proven, erodes that process and hurts us all."

Payton's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 9.