A retired Springfield, Massachusetts, police officer has been charged with stealing about $400,000 from the department's evidence room.
Kevin Burnham, a decorated and highly-respected officer who retired in 2014 after 43 years on the job, was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty Monday to multiple larceny counts.
Prosecutors say he stole cash from evidence envelopes related to drug investigations multiple times from 2009 until his retirement. They allege he took money when he recounted cash, and replaced money he stole with previously seized counterfeit money or with newer money put into circulation after the original seizure date.
Burnham's attorney, Charles Dolan, says his client pleaded not guilty because the defense has no information about the nature and details of the allegations.
Springfield's police commissioner and mayor expressed shock.
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