CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer accused of stealing $900 from a man he was arresting and hiding it in his patrol car accepted an Alford plea, records show.
Henry Chapman was arrested on March 14, hours after he allegedly took $900 from a man he was arresting in University City. The incident started when Chapman pulled over a driver for speeding and learned he was wanted on a federal arrest warrant. An affidavit says the man had nearly $8,000 in cash on him when he was arrested.
Chapman accepted an Alford plea in the case on Wednesday and was placed on probation for two years. He is also required to complete a Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) course. The Alford plea allows Chapman to maintain his innocence while agreeing to the judge's punishment.
CMPD released body camera footage of the incident in June. The suspect who was being arrested can be heard saying Chapman put the money in the door of his squad car. An assisting officer claimed Chapman was shifting the money between his legs and into the door pocket.
Chapman initially denied knowing the money was there but an affidavit states he admitted to taking the cash. Chapman maintained that he wasn't stealing it. He was charged with one count of embezzlement. He resigned from the force on March 15. Chapman joined CMPD in 2009.
Chief Johnny Jennings issued a statement on Chapman's arrest saying his actions "were a contradiction of what we stand for."
"This incident does not represent or define the men and women of CMPD wh show up every day and night to serve our community," Jennings said in part.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case due to his former job as a public official.