BYLINE: Joan Murray
Miramar, FL
MIRAMAR (CBSMiami) - A Miramar Police Officer, accused of stealing two bottles of liquor, says he didn’t do it.
Antonio Hester, an 8-year veteran of the force, is accused of stealing two bottles of Johnnie Walker Black Label from a group of women that he was investigating for grand theft at a Walgreens store in May 2013.
Hester said he was stunned when he was arrested for stealing liquor, especially because he said he doesn’t drink.
“It’s unfortunate. It’s upsetting. I try to keep my words to a minimum. People are saying negative things so God bless them,” said Hester.
Investigators said he lied about returning the booze to the women after they were cleared of wrongdoing and never placed the liquor into the evidence room at the Miramar Police Department.
According to the probable cause affidavit, “Officer Hester was captured on store surveillance leaving the manager’s office with the two bottles of Johnnie Walker Black Label. When Officer Hester exited the store he is observed by (Walgreen’s Loss Prevention Officer) placing the items in the trunk of his patrol vehicle.”
The arrest report stated Hester wrote in his official report of the incident that “he returned the bottles of Johnnie Walker Black Label back to (the women.)” However, “all three (women) advised that they never received the alcohol and were never again contacted by Officer Hester,” the affidavit said.
Hester faces a total of three charges, including petty theft, falsifying records and official misconduct.
“I will have my day in court and let the justice system run it’s course. I am confident it will be resolved,” said Hester.
Hester, who is out on bond, was put on unpaid administrative leave while an investigation into the incident moves forward.
CBS4's Joan Murray asked Hester if he wanted to go back to work for the department.
He replied,” I didn’t do anything wrong so I have no problem going back there.”
Hester said he worries most about how all this will affect his daughters.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
International Association for Property and Evidence
"Law Enforcement Serving the Needs of Law Enforcement"
www.IAPE.org