Photo of the recently graduated class of Providence Police officers, Sanchez not shown. Photo by Andrew Augustus WPRO News
By WPRO News
Providence Police report they will not hire Officer David Sanchez, who was reportedly involved in the theft of a cellphone.
Providence Chief of Police told the WPRO News with Gene Valicenti that the fiancé of Sanchez, Delilah Rivera, had taken a cell phone from another woman, took it apart, and through the course of the evening it ended up in the pocket of the newly pinned Sanchez.
“We wanted to be sure and make a solid decision before his first shift began, which was last night at 11:00pm, we made [the] decision that Sanchez will not be hired by the Providence Police,” said Clements, “Although he was sworn in on Friday, he never wore the badge and served not for one minute.”
Clements said Rivera has been charged with larceny, and Sanchez may also be charged pending a review of the evidence.
Sanchez had been rejected from the Providence Police Academy twice before due to a history of misdemeanors in the past, such possessing marijuana and leaving the scene of the accident. Clements helped overrule that decision saying the police department has made exceptions in the past.
“It certainly may be more preferable to take individuals who have no brushes with the law, that’s something we may need to reconsider.”
“It’s absolutely embarrassing,” said Clements, “On the heels of an upbeat graduation, a fantastic day he’s tarnished not only the Police Department but his entire academy.”
Sanchez is not covered by the police bill of rights because he never served as an officer.
