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CMPD Officer Arrested For Shoplifting

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

A CMPD officer has been arrested and charged with seven counts of shoplifting at a south Charlotte Harris Teeter. 

CMPD said Officer Samuel Yaravitz, assigned to the Providence Divison, has been placed on leave without pay while the case is being investigated. Yaravitz was hired by CMPD in June 1999.

Chief Kerr Putney said a CMPD employee reported information about the incidents to the department.

“This is extremely disappointing,” Putney said. “I don’t know his records - it’s irrelevant to me at the moment. What I know he did do is commit a crime, at least seven occasions where he shoplifted. I will tell you this too, we have some fantastic people who are doing great work and it’s disappointing that he would in any way taint that image.”

Putney said the thefts, of mostly food items, occurred over the past three months and it’s not yet clear whether the officer was on duty during the incidents.  Putney also said Yaravitz was driving a police car during some of the episodes. CMPD said the investigation is ongoing. 

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