Probe of Theft at Crime Scene Targets Officer

Police are conducting a criminal investigation into allegations that a police sergeant may have been involved in the theft of $2,000 from a crime scene after the 18-year veteran last month threatened suicide at department headquarters, authorities said Monday.

The results of the criminal probe of Sgt. James Shear are expected to be forwarded to the district attorney this week, Pasadena police said in a statement.

Shear has been on paid administrative leave since Dec. 2, police said. He could not be reached for comment.

“This is a human tragedy,” Police Chief Barney Melekian said. “We are striving to find the balance between our legal and administrative duty, and our obligation to Sgt. Shear as a human being.”

Last month, after Shear became distraught and threatened suicide, the statement said, two police lieutenants and a psychologist persuaded him to enter a facility for treatment.

Police said after the incident it was determined that Shear “may have been involved in a theft of $2,000.”