WASHINGTON — A suspended Prince George’s County Police officer was indicted by a grand jury earlier today for over-reporting the number of hours she was working.
Corporal Jennifer Simms faces two charges of felony theft scheme over $100,000 and conspiracy. The allegations occurred during the years of 2012-2014.
The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division launched an exhaustive investigation, estimated at 3,000 man hours, after learning of the allegations in December of 2014.
Corporal Simms’ police powers were suspended in May of 2015. Retired Captain Harold Simms, who was married to Cpl. Simms at the time, was also indicted. He also faces two counts of felony theft scheme over $100,000 and conspiracy. Simms retired in June of 2015.
Police Chief Hank Stawinski issued this statement following the grand jury indictment:
“We brought this case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges against Corporal Simms and retired Captain Harold Simms. If proven true, Corporal Simms and the retired captain not only betrayed our community, but they also betrayed this badge. We have checks and balances in place to ensure that officers are properly compensated for their work. This appears to be an aggressive, isolated act of greed.”
Corporal Simms has been employed by the PGPD for 13 years and was assigned to the Regional Investigation Division (Central Region) when the allegations occurred. Retired Captain Simms had been with the department for 18 years and was assigned to the Regional Investigation Division (Northern Region) when the allegations occurred.
