Cop says he put cash from crime scene into sock as a joke

An investigation is being launched to determine whether a Fraser Valley police officer tried to steal money from a crime scene last fall.

The officer, whose name hasn't been released, helped search an Abbotsford home last November as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Weapons, drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash were all seized from the property and one alleged trafficker, Brian MacDonald, was charged.

But during MacDonald's trial this week, his defence counsel presented surveillance video from inside the home that seemingly shows an officer taking some of the money.

According to the Abbotsford Police Department, the officer later admitted he picked the cash up and tucked it into his sock, but said it was a joke.

"The officer has testified this week that, in fact, he did take money," Sgt. Judy Bird told CTV News. "He advises that he was in the middle of doing a practical joke."

The officer also insisted he left the money at the residence.

The department has since asked the RCMP to investigate what happened and determine if a crime was committed. It also alerted the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner so a public trust investigation can potentially be launched as well.

Bird noted that the video that was shown in court was edited.

"We actually only have a few clips," she said. "We haven't seen it in its entirety. So we are hoping that the investigators will have access to the full video."

But even if the officer is proven to have returned the cash, he could be in for some kind of reprimand.

"We expect our officers to maintain a high level of professionalism throughout all investigations," Bird said. "A practical joke is inappropriate."

Abbotsford police said the unnamed officer has been removed from his policing duties until the matter is resolved.