Detroit Area Police Officer Steals Money From Children's Charity: Prosecutor

WARREN, MI — A Warren police officer is in trouble after stealing money from a charity for kids, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Jack Barnes, 29, was charged with embezzlement, $200 or More but Less than $1,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization, which is a 5-year felony.

He was placed in jail and given a $5,000 bond. If released, he cannot leave Michigan or have contact with the person who reported him. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Prosecutors said on July 4, Barnes stole money from the Police Explorer Program, which is a charitable organization dedicated to youth interested in law enforcement. Prosecutors did not say exactly how much money Barnes took from the charity.

A senior command officer reported the financial discrepancy after the Police Explorer Post finalized a charity event.

Barnes, who'd served in the department since 2023, was placed on administrative leave while the Macomb County Sheriff's Office investigated.

"Our justice system does not bend for titles or badges," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in the release. "In Macomb County, the law applies equally to every individual. While charges have been brought, this defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and that presumption remains unless and until a court determines otherwise."