CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department supervisor was arrested for alleged financial crimes, the department announced on Wednesday.
Lieutenant Warith Muhammad was charged with financial transaction card fraud and conspiracy to commit financial transaction card fraud, CMPD said. Both charges are felonies.
According to court documents, Muhammad is accused of helping his wife steal money from her former employer and a local mosque through a donation scam. The amount totaled $1,600.
The incidents did not involve CMPD or Muhammad's job functions, investigators said. Muhammad turned himself in late Tuesday night. He is currently on unpaid leave while CMPD conducts an internal investigation of the alleged incidents.
Muhammad joined CMPD in October 2010 and was assigned to the Central Division.
Chief Johnny Jennings issued the following statement on Muhammad's arrest:
"The arrest of our own lieutenant is a devastating blow to the trust we've worked tirelessly to build with this community. We hold ourselves to an uncompromising standard of integrity, and any violation is a betrayal of that sacred oath. But let me be absolutely clear: the CMPD has zero tolerance for misconduct, regardless of rank or tenure. The decisive action taken by investigators sends a powerful message – no badge is a shield for illegal behavior. The law applies equally to every citizen, and that includes those who wear our uniform. This incident is a painful reminder that we are all fallible, but it also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to accountability. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is served. The people we are sworn to protect deserve nothing less.”
Muhammad is the second CMPD officer facing financial charges. Officer Henry Chapman is accused of stealing $900 from a man during an arrest and hiding it in his patrol car. An affidavit states Chapman pulled a man over for speeding and was attempting to serve an outstanding federal arrest warrant.
Chapman allegedly denied knowing the money was there, but the affidavit says it was captured on body camera video. Chapman later admitted to taking the money, but not intending to steal it. He was charged with one count of embezzlement.
Jetton & Meredith, PLLC Partner and Attorney Timothy Cannady, who is not connected to either case, said these crimes speak to the credibility of the officers, impact their current caseloads, and their ability to testify in court.
As for what these officers could be facing, Cannady told WCNC Charlotte it’s a case-by-case situation.
“Typically, in those cases, especially when you have lower amounts like that, you have payment of restitution, paying the money back,” Cannady said. “The felony conviction ... would prohibit him from being an officer and maybe a split sentence where he would spend a small time in jail.”
Officers are also held to a higher standard. These crimes hurt the public’s trust in police.
“[The] number one issue with crimes like these is that they are crimes of dishonesty, and they follow you for longer periods of time and those can have a greater effect,” Cannady said. “You took advantage of a position of power, authority, and trust. And it is very clear both of these gentlemen were in a position of authority or power when they made those decisions, so I think this is definitely something the district attorney is going to take into account.”
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspects in these cases because they are public figures.