HOUSTON --
A former Stafford police officer has been accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash from the department's property room.
Paul Germany has been charged with theft by a public servant and abuse of office. Both charges are third-degree felonies.
Fort Bend County investigators said Germany quietly stole more than $14,000 in cash over five years. The stolen money had been turned over to the police department for safekeeping, detectives said.
Germany was in charge of the property room.
"And for that reason, he had complete control of whatever occurred there without any supervision whatsoever," Assistant District Attorney Scott Carpenter said.
The investigation into the missing money began last summer, when Germany accidentally wounded himself in the leg during routine target practice. While he was recuperating, an audit of the property revealed the cash was gone.
Stafford police said Germany, who was a 20-year veteran, has been fired.
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