WATCH: Deputy Fired, Arrested for Stealing Tape
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that a deputy was fired after stealing double-sided tape.
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) – Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that a deputy was fired after stealing double-sided tape.
“When he took that piece of tape, he crossed the line,” Sheriff Lott said. “He tarnished the badge we wear.”
Sheriff Lott said Deputy Kaleb Broome and another deputy were responding to a domestic violence call on North Kings Way to assist a victim involved in a domestic dispute and defaced a poster in the victim’s garage and then stole a double-sided piece of tape from the victim.
Authorities say Broome was told not to steal the tape by the deputy, “but he did it anyway, and he (the other deputy) reported it.” During the press conference Lott said Broome stole tape that was “not even 10 cents worth.”
Sheriff Lott said Broome was fired and is charged with misconduct in office.
“We do have bad cops,” he said. “And nothing hurts a good cop more than a bad cop.”
The charge carries up to a year in prison. He was released on a a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Broome has been with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department since October 2014. The Sheriff stated that Broome was assigned to the patrol unit in region 2; covering Two Notch Road and its surrounding area. He said this is the first time Broome has gotten in trouble in two years with the force. Just two months ago, the sheriff named Broome Deputy of the Year for Region Two for 2015. In November, he was deemed Deputy of the Quarter for his jurisdiction.
Broome is a former Gamecock football player. He spent two seasons with the team from 2011 through 2012.
