LOS ANGELES, April 11 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles Police Department detective has been charged with grand theft and perjury on suspicion he was moonlighting while on disability pay.
The arrest of Gilbert Barrow, a 12-year veteran of the police force, came after a surveillance team claimed he was working as a celebrity bodyguard while he was on paid leave for on-duty injuries to a knee and foot, The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.
Deputy District Attorney Renee Korn said the alleged fraud occurred between Sept. 26, 2005, and this month and that the alleged attempted perjury happened Jan. 31, 2006, in connection with a workers' compensation claim, the Times report said.
"The taxpayers of Los Angeles provide excellent benefits for police officers," Police Chief William Bratton said in a statement. "We take seriously any misuse of those benefits and pursue criminal charges when appropriate."
If convicted, Barrow could face five years in prison. He was being held Wednesday in lieu of $30,000 bail.
