Police employees typically help arrest thieves, not become them. For more than five years Douglas Rogers did both. Rogers, a clerk-dispatcher for the North Kingstown, R.I. police department and a former office employee of International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 473, was arrested on April 13 for embezzling more than $150,000 from the union. Rhode Island State Police arrested him at his home and arraigned him at nearby police barracks. He was released on a promise to pay $10,000 in lieu of appearing in court.
Rogers, 41, a resident of Richmond, R.I., wore two hats. He worked as a clerk and dispatcher for North Kingstown police for 15 years. And for the last ten of those years, he served as secretary-treasurer of IBPO Local 473. It was in that latter capacity where he found a lucrative side activity. According to the state police financial crimes unit, Rogers during March 2004-April 2009 siphoned off $155,520 from a union account to his own use. These transactions – 59 in all – consisted of unauthorized cash withdrawals and check disbursements. Additionally, Rogers falsified the check register to conceal the thefts. He used the money to make mortgage, utility, car and credit card payments, and to purchase items at Wal-Mart and BJ’s Wholesale Club. State police conducted the probe following a complaint by members of the union executive committee. North Kingstown police suspended Rogers with pay following his arrest. A hearing for determination of attorney is set for April 28.