On-Duty Firefighter Arrested On Narcotic Charges In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — An on-duty firefighter was arrested for allegedly stealing a coworker's prescription medicine at the fire station Sunday morning, police said.

Stephanie Desai, 36, of Alexandria was charged with Possession of Schedule II Narcotic, Possession of Schedule IV Narcotic and Petit Larceny, police said.

Police said they received a call at about 4:25 a.m. Sunday to report a narcotics violation. The victim told police that prescribed medication had been removed from their personal belongings inside Arlington County Fire Station #2, police said.

During the course of the investigation, a suspect description was developed based on evidence located at the scene and witness interviews.

Firefighter Desai, a two-year veteran of the agency, has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending, police said.

"Arlington County Fire Department strives to maintain the highest degree of professionalism and public trust. Firefighter Desai is entitled to due process, however, I want to assure the community that allegations of criminal or other inappropriate behavior by staff are taken seriously and comprehensively investigated both internally and by the police department,” Fire Chief James Bonzano said in a statement.

Desai was released on bond, police said.

Photo via Arlington County Police Department