Deputy Tries Using Civil Asset Forfeiture On DVD From Convenience Store, Loses Job

Chris | InformationLiberation
Nov. 20, 2014

Deputy Ernesto McCloud has found out the hard way he can't use "civil asset forfeiture" in his private life to steal from people with impunity.

After responding to an alarm call at a convenience store, the officer was videotaped stealing a $10 DVD from the store for his personal use.

Unfortunately for him, this act of theft was not committed within his sphere of authority, therefore he was charged with petty theft and fired.

Sheriff Grady Judd speaking of his robbery told the media, "We are all disgusted by his behavior and he is now in jail where he belongs. Ernesto McCloud said it best himself – he threw away a career for a $10 DVD."

How fortunate for us he threw his career away for such a petty theft, had he been a smart criminal and used civil asset forfeiture laws in his official capacity, taxpayers could be on the hook for a whole lot more, and catching him in the act would grant us no safety.