Two Chicago police officers were arrested Sunday night on federal theft charges alleging they stole $5,200 from someone they thought was transporting drug money.
Tactical unit Sgt. Ronald Watts, 48, and tactical team officer Kallatt Mohammed, 47, were each charged with theft of government funds.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday in U.S. District Court, Mohammed, a 14-year police veteran, was driving his personal vehicle on Nov. 21 when he allegedly took a bag containing $5,200 from an FBI informant in the 2700 block of South Vernon.
The incident was recorded by agents conducting surveillance, according to the complaint.
Watts, an 18-year police veteran, later allegedly paid the informant $400 for going along with the theft, according to the complaint.
“Who always takes care of you?” Watts allegedly told the informant.
According to the complaint, they allegedly previously told the informant to alert them when money was being transported for drug dealers.
Watts and Mohammed were released on $10,000 bond after appearing in federal court Monday. A status hearing was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. They face a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
