There’s been a break in the case of a November break-in at the Simpsonville Police Department. Thousands of dollars in cash, handguns, and narcotics were stolen, and Kentucky State Police said an officer at the department is the one who actually pulled off the theft.
On Thursday Simpsonville Police Officer Terry Putnam was on the job, when Kentucky State Police said they arrested him for stealing from his very own police department. The 54-year old officer came to work in a uniform, and ended up being led away in handcuffs, accused of stealing $30-thousand dollars, drugs and two guns from evidence lockers at his own department.
They are crimes Putnam denied as he was being led to a police cruiser on Thursday. “I didn’t do it. That’s all I can say,” said Putnam.
As he was being loaded into the cruiser, Putnam shouted what could be part of his defense.
“Hucks gas station… I’m on video going home,” said Putnam.
http://liarcatchers.com/contact.php
LEX18 News checked with Hucks, which is just a few blocks from the police department, however they no longer have video from November 6th. Police said the break-in happened on that day, at around 1 a.m.
On Thursday afternoon, Kentucky State Police searched Putnam’s Simpsonville home. They said the evidence and investigation points to Putnam.
“During the investigation he became a suspect. He’s worked for that department for about two and a half years,” said Trooper Bernie Napier, with Kentucky State Police.
Troopers said Putnam’s no rookie, and has experience with Shelbyville, Hawaii and Florida police. With his current job up in the air, the small town is anything but quiet.
Kentucky State Police say this case is still under investigation, but they don’t believe any other officers will be charged.
Putnam is charged with first degree Burglary, Theft by Unlawful Taking over $10,000, two counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking (firearm), first degree Criminal Mischief, Theft by Unlawful Taking Controlled Substance, Official Misconduct and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Police said for his protection, Putnam is currently being held in the Oldham County jail, because he may have arrested people that are in Shelby County’s jail.
