CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Video showing the moment a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officer was caught allegedly taking money from a suspect was released on Tuesday.
Henry Chapman was arrested on March 14, hours after he allegedly took $900 from a man he was arresting and hid it in his patrol car. The incident started when Chapman pulled over a driver for speeding and then learned the suspect was wanted for a federal arrest warrant. According to an affidavit, the man had nearly $8,000 in his possession during the arrest.
Body camera footage showed the suspect accusing Chapman of taking some money from him.
"I don't know if it's in your door or where it's at," the man said. "Do you see anything? That's my money, that's my money right there."
An assisting officer said Chapman was shifting the money between his legs and moving it into the door pocket of his patrol car. The cash was found with a receipt inside the driver's door of Chapman's patrol car.
"I heard him tampering with that rubber band," the man said. "That rubber band was on that money because my girlfriend gave it to me this morning."
Chapman initially denied knowing the money was there, according to CMPD. The affidavit states Chapman later admitted to taking the money but claimed he wasn't stealing it. Chapman was charged with one count of embezzlement.
Chapman was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He resigned from CMPD on March 15. He'd been on CMPD's force since 2009 and was assigned to the University City division.
An internal investigation found that Chapman violated CMPD's body camera policy during the arrest. The investigation is now in the hands of the Mecklenburg County district attorney. Chapman is expected to appear in court next month.
The video shows the arrestee asking for officers to count the cash from an evidence envelope obtained from Chapman while in a parking area at the University City Division patrol office. That was when officers searched Chapman's patrol car and found about $900 inside the driver's side door. Chapman was then placed in a separate room away from the car.
After an interview with detectives, Chapman was arrested and taken to jail.
Chief Johnny Jennings issued the following statement Monday:
“The video shows a CMPD police officer committing a crime, stealing money from a person who was in his custody. Adherence to the law is an absolute for police officers. The actions of former Officer Chapman were a contradiction to what we stand for.
I want you to know the detectives and leadership acted quickly when this incident was brought to light. Both a criminal investigation and an internal investigation were launched immediately. Chapman was arrested less than six hours after the incident following a continuous investigation and was placed on immediate unpaid administrative leave. I commend those who took those allegations serious enough to fully investigate this case which led to the arrest of one of our own.
On March 15, 2024, the day after the incident, he resigned from his employment at CMPD. The criminal case is still pending.
This incident does not represent or define the men and women of CMPD who show up every day and night to serve our community. While one officer did violate his oath, thousands more are still here and stand strong on the oath they took. I commend them for their commitment to this department and to this city. I am proud to serve with them. And we are all proud to serve you.”