By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Just hours after the FBI accused a former police chief in New Mexico of stealing federal money, the suspect was found dead, possibly of a suicide.
The Associated Press reports that former Rio Grande City Police Chief Byron Piper, who retired in December, was found dead at his home with a gunshot wound.
FBI agents filed a complaint Monday, accusing Piper of stealing more than $44,000 in federal grant money that was meant for overtime pay for border security operations.
Agents conducted surveillance and discovered that Piper did very little work during the time he was collecting overtime pay.
“He stayed several hours at home; he spent several hours eating meals at various restaurants; and he completed a number of personal errands,” the complaint said.
Piper acknowledged in a meeting with the FBI that he did not work about 70% of the time he submitted OT sheets.
“I did it out of being lazy and stupidity,” Piper’s statement said. “I am very, very sorry for my actions. It is not only another stain on law enforcement but I am also hurting my family and embarrassing them.”
