The district attorney's crime unit was called in to
investigate after the Lower Heidelberg Township police chief suspected an
officer stole from a fund for the police officers.
"We initiated an investigation immediately and our
investigation determined that Officer Masciotti had stolen $4,900 from the
Lower Heidelberg Township Health and Welfare Police Fund," said District
Attorney John Adams.
Adams said Officer John Masciotti was arrested Thursday on
multiple theft charges. Adams said Masciotti took the money out of the Lower
Heidelberg Township Police Officers Association account at two different times:
once at the the end of June and another at the beginning of July.
"He did not have the authority to withdraw the money in this specific case and as a result the taking of the money is a theft," said Adams.
Court documents said Police Chief Thomas Dieterich found out about the theft when the bank called him on Wednesday. At that point, Officer Masciotti had submitted his letter of retirement the day before.
"And that career as a police officer I would expect is finished," said Adams.
When Masciotti was arrested Thursday, they discovered he returned the money that morning.
"Once the so-called cat got out of the bag, he did return those monies," said Adams, "However, he was charged. It is a crime and he will be prosecuted."
Masciotti's attorney, Allan Sodomsky, said he doesn't believe there was any criminal intent and/or conduct on his client's part.
Adams said this is the second time in a week an officer in Berks County was arrested. Tpr. Kevin Wackley is accused of being on duty and drunk.
"We cannot protect those who wear a badge or have a badge," said Adams, "They are subject to the same laws and rules the rest of us are subject to."
Masciotti surrendered to detectives and did not speak with detectives. He was accompanied by his lawyer.
"He did not have the authority to withdraw the money in this specific case and as a result the taking of the money is a theft," said Adams.
Court documents said Police Chief Thomas Dieterich found out about the theft when the bank called him on Wednesday. At that point, Officer Masciotti had submitted his letter of retirement the day before.
"And that career as a police officer I would expect is finished," said Adams.
When Masciotti was arrested Thursday, they discovered he returned the money that morning.
"Once the so-called cat got out of the bag, he did return those monies," said Adams, "However, he was charged. It is a crime and he will be prosecuted."
Masciotti's attorney, Allan Sodomsky, said he doesn't believe there was any criminal intent and/or conduct on his client's part.
Adams said this is the second time in a week an officer in Berks County was arrested. Tpr. Kevin Wackley is accused of being on duty and drunk.
"We cannot protect those who wear a badge or have a badge," said Adams, "They are subject to the same laws and rules the rest of us are subject to."
Masciotti surrendered to detectives and did not speak with detectives. He was accompanied by his lawyer.