Body Cam shows former Charlotte Police officer stealing cash from person in custody

On March 14, 2024, Officer Henry Chapman responded to assist an officer during a traffic stop involving a driver who was allegedly speeding and had an outstanding federal arrest warrant. The warrant specified that the driver had personal property amounting to $7,911, which came into Officer Chapman's possession as he transported the driver to the University City Division Team Office. According to the warrant, once at the office, Officer Chapman requested another officer to transport the driver to jail.

During the transfer, as the assisting officer began searching the driver, both the driver and the assisting officer heard a rubber band snap. The driver immediately accused Officer Chapman of stealing money that had been bound by the rubber band. The warrant details that the driver observed Officer Chapman with the money between his legs and noticed him moving his left hand towards the driver's door pocket of his patrol vehicle. The assisting officer corroborated the driver’s account. A sergeant approached the scene as the allegations were being made.

The warrant claims that Officer Chapman appeared nervous and fidgeted inside his vehicle before stepping out and emptying his pockets, stating he didn’t have any money. However, the driver pointed out the money in the door pocket of Chapman's patrol vehicle. The sergeant found $900 in the door pocket, as confirmed by the warrant. Officer Chapman denied knowledge of the money's presence but later admitted to taking the money, claiming he had no intention of stealing it. He subsequently apologized to the sergeant and two other sergeants. Following an evaluation of the evidence, detectives arrested Officer Chapman and charged him with one count of embezzlement. On March 15, 2024, the day after the incident, he resigned from his employment at CMPD. The criminal case is still pending.