VETERAN POLICE OFFICER CONVICTED OF STEALING GASOLINE FROM A PUMP AT HIS PRECINCT

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today the conviction of a 17-year veteran of the New York City Police Department on charges that he stole gasoline that the city had purchased to fuel vehicles that are used for official business.

Detective Michael O’Callaghan, who had been assigned to the 49th Precinct Detective Squad, was found guilty on three counts of Petit Larceny following a bench trial before State Supreme Court Justice Caesar Cirigliano.

Judge Cirigliano set sentencing for Monday, September 10, 2007 in Part T 5. O’Callaghan is facing a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail on each count. Petit Larceny is a Class A misdemeanor offense.

O’Callaghan, who did not have authorization to take the fuel for personal use, was observed filling his car at the pump in the 49th precinct on three separate occasions. Detectives from NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau videotaped O’Callaghan stealing gasoline in the Fall of 2005 on October 28th, November 1st, and November 4th.

Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Donald Levin and Assistant District Attorney Rita Bieniewicz are prosecuting the case.