County Cop Indicted for Theft in Payroll Scheme

LANHAM, MD — A Prince George’s County Police officer was indicted by a grand jury Tuesday on charges she filed bogus time sheets for more than two years.

Corporal Jennifer Simms faces two charges of felony theft scheme over $100,000 and conspiracy. Prosecutors say the scheme happened between March 2012 and November 2014. Simms also allegedly claimed overtime and comp time that she didn’t work.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division launched an investigation after learning of the allegations in December of 2014. Simms’ police powers were suspended in May 2015.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks said public trust in police is critical if the county is to reduce its crime rate.

“If proven true, Corporal Simms...betrayed this badge,” Police Chief Hank Stawinski said in a statement. “We have checks and balances in place to ensure that officers are properly compensated for their work. This appears to be an aggressive, isolated act of greed.”

Corporal Simms has been employed by the police department for 13 years and was assigned to the Regional Investigation Division (Central Region) when the allegations occurred.