WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Authorities say a Delaware police officer arrested after barricading himself in his home and shooting a gun in the direction of neighboring houses is now facing theft charges.
Wilmington police said Tuesday that 48-year-old Michael Ballard, a 14-year veteran of the force, was arrested Tuesday and charged with three counts of felony theft and 14 counts of misdemeanor theft. Bail was set at $51,250.
Authorities say the charges stem from a three-month investigation involving funds generated from recycled brass shell casings collected from the department’s shooting range. Ballard is accused of embezzling $21,994.90 from the fund account from October 2015 to June 2018.
Ballard was charged last week with reckless endangering and gun offenses following a standoff that began after New Castle County police were asked to check on him.
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