Police Officer Charged With Stealing From Germantown Walmart

GERMANTOWN, MD — A Montgomery County Police officer was arrested on a series of theft charges for allegedly stealing from a Germantown Walmart while employed as a security guard at the store.

Jose A. Barahona, 25, is accused of stealing from the store at 20910 Frederick Rd. from Dec. 23, 2017 to Feb. 3, 2018.

Police began to investigate theft reports at the Walmart on Feb. 8. A Walmart loss prevention employee told police that he believed Barahona stole items from the Walmart while working as a security guard at the store. Barahona was employed by a company that provides security services, police said. He was hired as a Montgomery County Police Officer in October 2014.

Police said "a review of Walmart’s video surveillance by the investigating officer during the times that Barahona was known to have been working in the store revealed that from December 23, 2017, to February 3, 2018, Barahona engaged in a continuing course of conduct of stealing items from the Walmart store while he was working as a security guard."

Barahona has been working as a patrol officer in the 4th District and was suspended from duty with pay, police said. He was charged with theft less than $100, theft $100 to under $1500, and theft scheme $100 to $1500. His police powers have been suspended pending the completion of this investigation and future court action, police said.

Photo via MCPD