A Brimfield Township police officer is awaiting trial on a misdemeanor charge that he stole a $15 watch band from a Best Buy this month.
Officer Russ Diehl, 41, faces a charge of theft, a first-degree misdemeanor, in Stow Municipal Court.
According to court documents, Diehl was caught on surveillance cameras May 3 at the Cuyahoga Falls Best Buy location taking an Insignia 20 mm silicone watch band — valued at $14.99 — from its case and putting an old band back inside. He then was seen hiding the case in the back of a rack of other bands.
Diehl, who was arrested May 4, pleaded not guilty to the charge on May 10. He’s represented by attorney Brian Pierce, who could not be reached for comment. Diehl also could not be reached.
Brimfield Police Chief Ray Mosley said Diehl has worked for the department for about a decade.
He was placed on paid administrative leave May 4, the same day he was arrested. The police will conduct an internal investigation into Diehl, which could result in his termination.
“We take the matter very seriously,” Mosley said, “and we’ll take all the appropriate action as necessary.”
Diehl is free on bond while he awaits trial. He’s scheduled for a pretrial hearing before Judge Lisa Coates on Thursday.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com.