Crime & Safety

Carlsbad Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Heroin

Michael Koch, an 18-year veteran with Carlsbad Police could go to prison for almost four years.

A Carlsbad police officer accused of stealing heroin from an impound room pleaded not guilty today to two felony counts and was allowed to remain free on his own recognizance.

was arrested almost two months ago. "The officer was charged with burglary as a felony, which is entering the building with the intent to commit a theft, and he is also charged with possession of heroin," Deputy District Attorney Jack Bucci said.

The 18-year veteran faces up to three years, eight months in prison, if convicted. Bucci disclosed few details about the case. A statement from the Carlsbad Police Department after Koch was arrested said "numerous" police employees witnessed the alleged thefts.

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police Chief Gary Morrison expressed "tremendous disappointment" in Koch's arrest, after which he was placed on paid administrative leave.

Judge Marshall Hockett scheduled a readiness conference for April 18.

Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

–City News Service


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.