Broward

Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Arrested on Grand Theft Charges

According to a statement, Sgt. James McDowell allegedly signed up for off-duty detail while still working his regularly scheduled shifts

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A member of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department accused of working off-duty details while also working his regularly scheduled shift turned himself in Thursday to face theft charges, officials said.

Sgt. James McDowell faces three counts of grand theft and one count of organized scheme to defraud, Fort Lauderdale Police said in a statement.

Broward Sheriff's Office
James McDowell

According to the statement, McDowell allegedly signed up for off-duty details while still working his regularly scheduled shifts. The move resulted in fraudulent hours being billed to the department, costing the department thousands of dollars.

"These alleged actions do not reflect the character and professionalism of the men and women of this agency," the department said in the statement.

McDowell turned himself in to the Broward County Main Jail and was being held on $14,000 bond Thursday, records showed. Attorney information wasn't available.

McDowell has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the case.

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