Denton police officer indicted for insurance fraud
Denton PD officer Marida Buchanan was indicted on an insurance fraud charge last week, according to a statement from the DPD media relations department released Friday. Buchanan has been placed on unpaid administrative leave following the indictment and will not return until the investigation is completed, if she is not convicted.
Following the joint investigation between Denton police and the Texas Rangers, the Denton County Grand Jury issued a State Jail Felony indictment, punishable by “confinement of not less than 180 days to a state jail, and a fine up to $10,000.” According to the Texas Penal Code, a charge qualifies as a State Jail Felony if the value of the claim is $2,500 or more but less than $30,000.
The Denton PD press release condemned Buchanan’s alleged actions as “disappointing” and distanced the department from wrongdoing. PD will not offer any further information until criminal and associated administrative investigations are completed, reportedly “out of respect for the investigation and officer Buchanan.”
“The charge is not consistent with the values of the Denton Police Department including Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence (PRIDE),” the press release read. “This also undermines the trust and legitimacy which the Denton Police Department continually builds and maintains with the wonderful community we serve.”
Featured Image: Courtesy DRC
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