On-Duty AZ Police Officer Arrested After Admits Stole Cash From Mesa Dead Body

MESA, AZ. (THECOUNT) — Gregory Todd Johnson has been identified as the Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy arrested after admitting to stealing cash while investigating reports of a dead body in Mesa, Arizona, in late October.

According to MCSO, Johnson, 39, was on-duty when he responded to a call of a man down in Mesa on Oct. 28, 2018, according to reports. At some point, authorities became aware of the theft. At this time, officials have not provided information related to the victim in this case.

Johnson later admitted to the macabre misdeed and was arrested and booked into custody. He is currently being held at the Fourth Avenue Jail.

Records show a body was reportedly found in Mesa on October 29, 2018, after Mesa Police responded to calls of an injured man down. That incident occurred at around 8 a.m. inside Mesa Mexican market, Linda Mercado, located on W 8th Ave, in Mesa, Arizona, at Center Street.

At the time neighbors speculated the victim worked at the market.

He was later identified as 49-year-old Thomas Lee.

It is unclear if the officer thief and the death at the market are related.

During the investigation into the death, detectives received information and uncovered evidence that Johnson may have stolen cash belonging to the dead person. Investigators with MCSO’s Professional Standards Bureau reviewed the evidence, including body camera footage. They then interviewed Johnson, who admitted to the theft, investigators said. source

MCSO terminated Johnson’s employment. He was booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail on charges of theft and burglary.

Mesa is a city just east of Phoenix, in Arizona. Mesa Grande Cultural Park is home to a giant, centuries-old ceremonial mound, and artifacts of the ancient Hohokam people. The Arizona Museum of Natural History exhibits dinosaur skeletons and archaeological finds. The nearby i.d.e.a. Museum offers hands-on artistic and scientific exhibits for kids. Mesa Arts Center presents theater, musicals and contemporary art, according to wikipedia.