Video Of Pembroke Pines Cop Accused Of Watch Theft Released
PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) – Security video which purportedly shows a Pembroke Pines police officer steal a watch while investigating a burglary at a jewelry store has been released by police.
Police were called to the Jared the Galleria of Jewelry at 11077 Pines Boulevard, February 5th, after a couple of cat burglars broke into the store overnight and got away with $75-thousand worth of jewelry.
During the investigation of a burglary Officer Kevin Burgs, 36, reportedly took a Movado watch valued at $795.00 from the store.
"That's unbelieveable," said Sandra Woorell. "I can't believe that would even happen."
"I don't believe he took the watch," said Fran Goldberg.
"You don't," asked CBS4's Summer Knowles.
"No," she replied.
The reported theft was captured by two of the store's surveillance video cameras. A store employe who was reviewing footage from the burglary spotted the officer stealing the watch.
On the video, Burgs can be seen carrying a ladder near the front of the store. His AR-15 rifle is leaning on a display case. On the ground in front of the display case are two watches. On the video Burg bends down, picks up his rifle and ladder and leaves the store. After he leaves there is only one watch on the ground.
"It's really scary to me that people here to protect and serve are corrupt," said Zoe Georgeidias who works near Jareds. "If something happened to our store, I'd want to call someone to protect us not to be apart of the crime. Its just very upsetting to hear that."
Burg's arrest report states that detectives discovered the stolen watch inside the officer's police vehicle.
"I don't like to be a judge. I don't like to be a judge. I know he did wrong, but I don't wanna be a judge," said Rey Salva. If this is something that just came to the surface, there probably is other things they should look into."
"I don't like to be a judge. I don't like to be a judge. I know he did wrong, but I don't wanna be a judge," said Rey Salva. If this is something that just came to the surface, there probably is other things they should look into."
Burgs, who has been suspended without pay by the department, has pleaded not guilty to grand theft.