Details surrounding MCSO deputy's theft of $500 from shooting scene emerge

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- A Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy has been arrested for stealing cash from a house in the East Valley, while he was investigating a fatal shooting.

The deputy, identified as Gregory Johnson, faces a count of burglary and a count of theft, and he appeared in a jailhouse courtroom overnight. The incident happened on October 28, when Johnson went to Sun Lakes to investigate a shooting that left a man dead in a home, and Johnson is accused of stealing money from the man's house.

According to court papers, while Johnson was on the scene, he was wearing his body camera. That camera caught an image of a stack of cash, around $500, and a rubber band around it. Moments later, the cash was gone. The man's family noticed the money missing, and got in touch with MCSO. Investigators questioned Johnson, and they say he admitted to taking the cash because he had financial troubles.

In a statement released Tuesday night, officials with MCSO said they are starting the process to terminate Johnson.

Meanwhile, people living in the Sun Lakes area are upset and sad.

"I don't think he should have taken it," said Fran Stevenson. "Officers are supposed to be upholding the law, and that is stealing, in my opinion."

"It is very sad. It is horrible," said Pat Neville. "You have to trust people in law enforcement, especially in this day and age."

Johnson has been released on his own recognizance, and he is due to appear in court, the day after Christmas.