MCSO: Deputy accused of stealing money from dead person

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Officials with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office announced late Tuesday night that a 29-year-old deputy has been arrested in connection with a theft that was allegedly committed while the deputy was on duty.

According to the statement, the incident happened on October 28, when Deputy Gregory Todd Johnson responded to a call for service in reference to a dead body in Mesa. Later, MCSO detectives received information and uncovered evidence, leading them to believe that Johnson may have stolen cash belonging to the dead person, who was not identified in the news release.

The information, according to officials, was later turned over to MCSO's Professional Standards Bureau for further investigation. The PSB reviewed evidence, including body camera footage, and eventually interviewed Johnson, who admitted to the theft.

MCSO officials said they have initiated the administrative process for firing Johnson, and further charges may be possible, should additional information or evidence of illegal activity come to light.