A former Stallion Springs, Calif., police officer and his wife are accused of embezzling $1,764.92 from the department’s Police Activities League.
As reported by NBC affiliate KGET in Bakersfield, James Best Jr., 50, and Jennifer Best, 49, are each charged with multiple counts of grand theft and misappropriation of public funds. James Best resigned from the department in September 2019 and turned in his equipment, including a computer — the contents of which were later copied onto an external hard drive, investigators said in court documents.
From early 2017 to Aug. 1, 2019, purchases were made through Amazon, utilities and subscriptions to clothing companies using the accounts associated with the league, according to the documents. Items allegedly purchased with league funds include Attraco hipster underwear for women, a black velvet gothic choker necklace, an Echo Dot Smart Speaker with Alexa and Colace 2-in-1 Stool Softener and Stimulant Laxative Tablets.
The Bests, who have moved from Stallion Springs and had plans to relocate in Maine, according to court documents, have pleaded not guilty and have a court hearing scheduled April 12.
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