Montgomery County Police Officer Jose A. Barahona, age 25, has been charged with theft less than $100, theft $100 to under $1500, and theft scheme $100 to $1500.

On February 8, a Montgomery County police officer began to investigate the report of a theft that occurred at the Walmart store located at 20910 Frederick Road in Germantown. The complainant, a Walmart loss prevention employee, stated that on February 2, a person known to him had stolen items from the store. The suspect, identified as Jose A. Barahona, was known to the loss prevention employee because Barahona worked as a security guard at the store, being employed by a company that provides security services. The complainant stated to the investigating officer that he believed Barahona had attempted to steal items and had successfully stolen items from the store on other occasions while Barahona was working at the store as a security employee.

A review of Walmart’s video surveillance by the investigating officer during the times that Barahona was known to have been working in the store revealed that from December 23, 2017, to February 3, 2018, Barahona engaged in a continuing course of conduct of stealing items from the Walmart store while he was working as a security guard.

Jose A. Barahona was hired as a Montgomery County Police Officer in October of 2014. He has been working as a patrol officer in the 4th District. Barahona has been suspended from duty with pay. His police powers have been suspended pending the completion of this investigation and future court action.

RLI