Police Officer Arrested for Stealing Money from Elderly Woman at Police Station

This is a sad story. If this police officer is convicted, I hope he is punished to the full extent of the law. 

Hiroshima prefectural police arrested 31 year old police sergeant Shinya Masumoto on suspicion of stealing 10,000 yen in cash from a 78 year old woman who was at the police station to renew her driver’s license. Police report that this took place at 9:55 am on June 23 at the Takehara City Station. Sergeant Masumoto is accused of stealing the money from the woman’s handbag while he was testing her eyes. After the eye test, she realized she didn’t have the money when it was time to pay the fee. She notified the police at the time, but then thought she might have been mistaken about having the money in her bag and left.

Masumoto’s colleague was suspicious and discussed the matter with his superior. After being questioned, Masumoto admitted to the allegation. Chief Inspector Keiji Norimune said the act was unacceptable for a police officer and offered apologies to the victim and the people of the prefecture. 

What a sad situation! Ten thousand yen is only about $68 USD.