Kansas City, Kansas, police are dealing with the black eye of three of their own -- SWAT team members Jeffrey Bell, Darryl Forrest and Dustin Sillings -- being indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly stealing video games, money and other electronics while serving search warrants.
KCK Police Chief Rick Armstrong responded in a prepared statement saying, in part: "The acts of a few should never be sufficient to taint the distinguished careers of our officers or our agency." Read the full statement from the KCKPD after the jump:
It is with deep disappointment to report that three officers of theA citizen's complaint about a stolen PlayStation Portable and a Flip camera led to the FBI investigating Bell, Forrest and Sillings -- all are members of KCK's tactical team. During a January 4 sting operation conducted by the FBI, the feds allegedly caught the three stealingKansas City, Kansas, Police Department were indicted by a federal grand
jury today for criminal acts against our citizens. When this event
occurred in January of this year, Chief Armstrong emphasized how
critically important it was for our Police Department to have the
supreme trust of the citizens of Wyandotte County and Kansas City,
Kansas. The Chief re-states that fundamental goal today.
Chief Armstrong and U.S. Attorney Grissom believe that the prosecution of
police officers caught performing illegal acts demonstrates to our
citizens that this type of conduct will never be tolerated.
While the Department takes responsibility for these unacceptable acts,
Chief Armstrong wishes to make it perfectly clear that the Kansas City,
Kansas, Police Department is an outstanding agency filled with dedicated
men and women who perform with honesty and integrity day-in and day-out.
The acts of a few should never be sufficient to taint the distinguished
careers of our officers or our agency.
Chief Armstrong thanks U.S. Attorney Grissom and F.B.I. Special Agent in Charge Truchon for their support.
money, video games, a Nintendo DS and an iPod Touch.
Authorities believe the three stole more than they've been indicted for. The Star reported that the feds are asking suspected drug dealers and other offenders who may have been victimized during searches to report the alleged thefts to the department's Internal Affairs Unit at 913-573-6370.
Bell, 33, Forrest, 31, and Sillings, 33, are charged with conspiracy and theft. Bell and Forrest are also charged with deprivation of rights. All three have pleaded not guilty.
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