Post by KC on Aug 25, 2006 23:24:02 GMT -5
Officer Michael Dunsavage
August 26, 2006 - FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A former Coconut Creek police officer was sentenced to 18 months probation on Wednesday after pleading guilty to grand theft.
Officer Michael Dunsavage was arrested earlier this month and accused of making bogus traffic stops to steal $770 from four Guatemalan day laborers.
"We don't know what his motivation was. He never gave a statement," said Detective Angela Hofer of Coconut Creek police. "But, the fact that they all had the same thing in common -- they didn't speak English and are all illegal citizens."
Dunsavage, a four-year veteran of the force, resigned from the police department on Aug. 11. He also lost his police certification.
"The decisions he made were life-changing for him," said Sgt. John Leonard. "His life will never be the same."
Dunsavage's alleged victims did not show up in court Wednesday, which played a role in brokering the plea deal.
"Testifying against an ex-law enforcement officer and you being illegal -- that causes attention, brings attention to you if you're illegal," Hofer said.
Neither Dunsavage nor his attorney commented after the hearing.
Also as part of the plea deal, Dunsavage will have to repay the $770 he admitted stealing.
www.nbc6.net/news/9724821/detail.html