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Christian Carrasco, a 16-year veteran of the Yonkers Police Department, turned himself in to police custody following an investigation into the sale of police equipment on eBay, a department spokesman said.
Carrasco had been the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation after the department was alerted by federal law enforcement agencies that the items were being auctioned on the Internet.
The investigation into the items popping up on eBay determined that they were being sold by a member of the Yonkers Police Emergency Service Unit.
It is alleged that Carrasco removed items from the department without permission and sold them online; the items, which include two personal radiation detection devices worth more than $3,000, were shipped to buyers in the United States and overseas.
Investigators are still working to reclaim all department property, the spokesman noted. There is no information at this time to indicate that any of these items were utilized for any illicit purposes.
Carrasco, 41, turned himself into custody this week at the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office in White Plains, where he was arrested and charged with one count of third-degree grand larceny and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arraigned in Yonkers Criminal Court on Friday, Feb. 7.
“The Yonkers Police Department holds itself to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and transparency,” Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller stated.
“No one is above the law, and this member will now face the consequences of his alleged misconduct. But this incident should not and does not diminish the outstanding work and good deeds our officers do every day, and will continue to do so with pride and integrity for the people of Yonkers.”
Carrasco has been suspended without pay from the department pending his termination.
“I am extremely disappointed in the alleged actions taken by this individual. This officer will be held accountable: he is suspended without pay, pending termination and we expect him to be charged to the fullest extent of the law,” Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said. “We take pride in our Yonkers Police Department and continue to support the hundreds of other highly respected Yonkers police officers who commit themselves each day to serve and protect Yonkers with integrity and honor.”
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