Officer Agrees to Pay Back Union to Avoid Theft Charges

A Massachusetts police officer has agreed to pay back $6,000 to the Ipswich police union in a plea agreement.

The Salem News reports 57-year-old Michael Thomas was charged with stealing more than $11,000 while serving as the union's secretary and treasurer.

According to the Essex County District Attorney's Office, Thomas said there was enough evidence to find him guilty of misdemeanor theft had the case gone to court.

Thomas faced investigation after his successor brought concerns about questionable spending and debit card use to the Ipswich Police Association. He resigned from the department in October 2015. Thompson originally faced a charge of felony theft.

The case against Thomas will be dismissed if he pays the restitution and stays out of trouble.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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