Officer Accused of Thefts Quits Force
Santa Ana Police Officer William T. Cleary, accused of stealing money from detained suspects, resigned Wednesday just before an administrative hearing with the police chief.
Cleary, 27, submitted his resignation through his attorney, Charles A. Goldwasser. The resignation, which included no explanation, was immediately accepted, Lt. Robert Helton said.
Cleary was scheduled for a hearing Wednesday morning with Police Chief Paul M. Walters to answer charges against him.
In January, the district attorney’s office filed one count of grand theft and one count of petty theft against Cleary.
The charges stem from a police sting operation in which Cleary allegedly was caught stealing $1,140 from an undercover officer who was posing as a suspect. In September, Cleary allegedly stole $400 from a prisoner, police said.
If convicted, the officer faces a maximum sentence of three years.
Cleary’s arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 14.
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