Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Misconduct in Public Office Over Theft from Deceased

 

PC Craig Carter, a 51-year-old officer from the North Area Command Unit, has pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office following an investigation into the theft of money from a deceased individual. Carter appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on July 26 and admitted to the charges.

Detective Superintendent Marco Bardetti commented on Carter's guilty plea, emphasizing that the officer's actions were unacceptable and fell far below the standards expected from a member of the police force. “The evidence against him was clear,” Bardetti said. “It’s evident that Carter knew his actions were wrong.”

The case dates back to September 2022, when Carter was assigned to handle the belongings of a 45-year-old man, Claudio Gaetani, who had tragically died on the street. As part of his duties, Carter collected Gaetani's personal effects, including his wallet. However, a complaint was lodged by the deceased man's family on October 6, 2022, after they discovered that money was missing from the recovered items.

An investigation by the Directorate of Professional Standards revealed that Carter's body-worn camera footage from the scene showed him counting around £100. When the property was later logged into evidence, only £6 and a small amount of Euros were found. This discrepancy led to Carter being charged with theft in June of this year.

Tetteh Turkson of the Crown Prosecution Service remarked on the breach of trust demonstrated by Carter. “The majority of police officers are seen as trustworthy and dedicated members of the community,” Turkson said. “Carter’s actions were not only a severe violation of this trust but also deeply disrespectful to the victim's family.”

Turkson acknowledged the efforts of both the CPS and the Metropolitan Police Service in bringing the case to a resolution. He noted that Carter's guilty plea was a result of the substantial evidence against him and the collaborative efforts to hold him accountable for his misconduct.

As the case concludes, the focus remains on supporting the affected family and reinforcing the standards of integrity within the police force.