On Wednesday Jan. 8, a New Jersey cop was caught shoplifting over $200.00 worth of gun accessories at a Cabela’s sporting goods store in Pittsburgh, Penn.
According to the Associated Press, State Trooper William Carvounis, 35, was arrested after paying for a few of the items, but attempting to steal the remaining merchandise in his pockets.
A Tilden officer reported the crime after discovering that the trooper had a concealed pistol magazine and handgun grips in his possession.
According to Chief William McEllroy of Pennsylvania, at the time of questioning Carvounis implied special treatment from the police officers, which was “more or less one cop asking another cop for a break multiple times.”
Cops say that Carvounis was trying to get out of his arrest because he was afraid of losing his job.
However, Carvounis’ lawyer claims that he was not explicitly asking for a break. He has also stated that the original police report didn’t mention anything about the words exchanged between his client and the officer who filed the complaint.
“…My client made purchases that day and denies any allegation of any shoplifting,” said attorney Charles Sciarra, according to the Washington Post. “And quite frankly, we see no connection between what’s occurred in the store in Pennsylvania and his duties for the New Jersey State Police.”
As a member of Gov. Chris Christie’s security group, it’s understandable that the state trooper is afraid of losing his prestigious position. However, McEllroy has made it clear that he is forbidden to grant special treatment to fellow police officers.
Carvounis has waived his right to a preliminary hearing and remained free on bond since Monday.
The state trooper faces five years in prison on charges of a first-degree misdemeanor and a summary offense related to two counts of retail theft. He has since been suspended from work.
