Charges could be dismissed vs. ex-cop in raffle theft case

WATERTOWN, Conn. – A former Connecticut police officer charged with tampering with a charity raffle and stealing a prize has been admitted to a program that could lead to dismissal of the charges.

An attorney for former Watertown Officer Christopher Masayda tells the Republican-American his client was granted accelerated rehabilitation, and charges will be dismissed if he successfully completes the program.

State police say Masayda was off-duty in October when he tampered with raffle drawings at a police-sponsored golf tournament raising money for a cancer centre. They say the 26-year-old stole a watch and a bracelet worth $600 donated by a jeweler. Another person caught his actions on cellphone video.

Masayda was still a member of the force but resigned after his arrest.

His lawyer says Masayda is unlikely to re-offend.

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Information from: Republican-American, http://www.rep-am.com