CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor's Note: WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because the case involves a law enforcement officer accused of committing a crime while on duty.
An officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is accused of stealing from a man he arrested recently.
The department said 48-year-old Henry Chapman, who's been on the force since Sept. 2009, was charged with embezzlement after the arrestee reported it to the CMPD. The arrest happened on Thursday, March 14, in the University City area.
After an investigation, officers charged Chapman with one count of embezzlement. He was then taken into custody. CMPD said Chapman will remain on unpaid administrative leave as an internal investigation continues.
“This is deeply disappointing for our organization. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, and a violation of that trust is a serious offense. However, I want to assure the public that we take all allegations seriously, and we will not tolerate misconduct within our ranks," said Chief Johnny Jennings in a statement. "I’m proud that the supervisor and other officers on scene took immediate and decisive action to investigate the situation and determine that our officer needed to be arrested. No CMPD employee is above the law."
WCNC Charlotte reviewed the arrest warrant for Chapman, which showed he's accused of taking $900 from the arrestee.
Chapman's first appearance in court was on Friday and will next appear on April 3, 2024 for a probable cause hearing. He was released and has made a written promise to appear.
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.