St. Croix police arrested fellow V.I. Police Officer Anderson Poleon, 39, Wednesday and charged him with embezzlement and extortion in connection with a vehicle removed from the VIPD impound lot in June.
Poleon is a VIPD police officer. He has been placed on leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to an affidavit filed in V.I. Superior Court, the investigating officers said Poleon removed a car from the impound lot without authorization and subsequently sold it.
“Anytime property or evidence is placed in the custody of the VIPD it must be handled in accordance to the strictest policies and procedures and with the avoidance of any conflict of interest," St. Croix Police Chief Christopher Howell said in a statement. "Any officer that betrays the public trust in this manner will be dealt with both internally and in the judicial system.”
Poleon was arrested about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. His bail was set at $35,000 and, unable to post bail, he was remanded to the Golden Grove Correctional Facility. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 1.
