Former Hazel Park Cop Under Investigation For Embezzlement Of $85,000

HAZEL PARL (WWJ) - A criminal investigation is underway in Hazel Park after a police officer allegedly embezzled thousands of dollars.

Michigan State Police are heading up the probe into the activities of Sean Boucher, whom is accused of embezzling $85,000 from the city since January 2012, according to Hazel Park Police.

Boucher, an 18-year veteran of the Hazel Park police department's detective bureau, was suspended without pay as of Monday. September 11.

Police Chief Martin Barner told reporters Monday the suspension came after a recent audit found inconsistencies in non-drug forfeiture funds.

"When a vehicle is used in a crime — primarily drunk driving —  it allows the cities to forfeit that vehicle since it was used in a crime," Barner explained. "Nine times out of 10 you give the owner of the vehicle the option to purchase that vehicle back and a consent agreement is entered into. These are the funds we're talking about."

Barner said an internal investigation then linked Boucher to the missing money.

The chief called the audit's findings "shocking."

"(Boucher) was one of the most trusted and respected members of the police department, and that's why he was in the position that he was," Barner said.

"I feel like everybody else should and does," he added. "We all feel betrayed by this individual."

At this point, Boucher has not been charged with a crime.