Deputy accused of stealing cash from lost wallet
Published 7:32 am Thursday, July 16, 2020
A Louisiana deputy has been fired amid accusations he stole money from a lost wallet that was turned over to authorities, according to a sheriff’s office.
Jefferson Parish patrol deputy Justin Vappie, 34, was charged with malfeasance in office on Monday and removed from his position, according to agency spokesman Capt. Jason Rivarde.
Vappie was sent to collect the wallet from a citizen who reported finding it in Metairie on Monday afternoon.
Officials discovered some of the cash was missing after the wallet was logged into evidence, Rivarde said. The office did not reveal the contents of the wallet, but said it was holding a “known amount of money.”
Vappie was being held in jail without bond on Tuesday, news outlets reported. It was unclear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.