An LAPD officer was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing and using a woman’s debit card.

The LAPD Internal Affairs Division investigated the matter and put out a felony arrest warrant on Officer Edmond Babainas for burglary and theft after the woman complained about the card going missing.

“The allegations of an officer breaking public trust are extremely troubling and there must be accountability,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said in a statement. “This Department will fully cooperate with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office in this matter.”

The woman claims to have last seen the card while inside an LAPD location, later seeing transactions going through without her consent. The woman allegedly obtained photos of the officer making transactions with her card at a home improvement store and presented them to LAPD.

That is when LAPD identified the person using the card as Officer Babainas.

“Our police officers must be held accountable to the highest standard,” Bass said in a statement. “I want to acknowledge and thank Chief Moore and LAPD leadership for swiftly taking action on this serious matter. The integrity of our police department is of the utmost importance and we must continue to act with transparency and accountability to build trust with all Angelenos.”

Babainas was booked at LAPD Valley Jail and released under his own recognizance. He was been relieved of his duties until the criminal investigation is completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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