A former police officer with the Summerville, South Carolina police department has been arrested by agents of the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) following an investigation into missing funds.
James M. Bateman, Sr., 52, was charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent with a value of $2,000 or less.
According to a redacted arrest warrant affidavit, Bateman allegedly deposited the proceeds of two checks totaling $1,500 into his personal account back in 2012 and 2013. The funds were supposed to go to the Summerville police department’s cadet post program, which was established by the city in 1992 “to provide a positive setting for young people to interact with law enforcement officers, further their education, encourage their participation in rewarding and productive service activities and possibly interest them in a law enforcement career.”
The “unauthorized” deposits were uncovered via information “obtained from bank documents.”
Bateman was a lieutenant with the Summerville police department who helped administer the program.
Courtesy of SLED, here is a news release which includes the warrant for Bateman’s arrest as well as the supporting affidavit attesting to the charges filed against him.
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Bateman was investigated by SLED at the request of the Summerville police department. He was booked at the Dorchester County detention center, and his case will be heard in summary court. As with anyone accused of committing a crime, Bateman should be considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system (or until such time as he may choose to issue a pleading in connection with the charges filed against him).
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