FBI Arrests Mesquite PD Officer in Charge of Narcotics Unit for Stealing $2,000

The U.S. Attorney's Office just sent word: This morning, FBI agents arrested John David McAllister, a sergeant with the Mesquite Police Department -- and the head of its four-man Narcotics Unit. Says the release, back in December the feds got a tip that McAllister was skimming off the top during the execution of search warrants, and the FBI promptly launched an investigation -- which led to an undercover sting carried out on Tuesday.

According to an FBI special agent's affidavit, which follows in full, the feds gathered up $100,000 in 52 separate bundles, each photographed and photocopied. At which point an FBI hopped in an a car equipped with video recording equipment and drove to meet with McAllister and his partner. McAllister, says the feds, found the dough in the car, stashed in a duffel bag and a separate plastic bag. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office release: "Sgt. McAllister transported the undercover vehicle and the cash to the MPD; video recordings captured him placing his hand into the bag of currency and taking one of the bundles of currency from the plastic bag and stashing it in his pants."

Allege the feds, when McAllister got back to MPD HQ, $2,000 was had gone missing. At which point, the feds say they watched McAllister drive to Town East Mall -- specifically, the Buckle inside, where he dropped $480, the serial numbers of the bills matching those of the stolen dough. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, he bought a watch.

If McAllister's found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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