The Associated Press
PLUM, Pa. (AP) -- A police officer already facing a federal firearms charge was charged with insurance fraud.
Andrew McNelis, 32, a 10-year-veteran officer in the Pittsburgh suburb of Plum borough, allegedly altered police reports pertaining to two thefts. He said damage to his garage door and theft of a propane tank two years ago cost him $3,500. He also said more than $2,000 of sporting goods were stolen from his garage in November 1998.
Plum Council voted last month to fire McNelis over the reports, although he’s still receiving his $53,400 annual salary while a grievance he filed is pending.
Mike DeRiso, McNelis’ attorney, called the charges “absolutely insane” and said the officer did nothing to the reports without his supervisors’ permission.
McNelis has been on paid leave since June 2002 when was charged with trying to mail a gun that was missing from the police evidence room.
He pleaded innocent to that charge in May and no trial date on that charge has been set.