Ex-Detroit Cop Charged with Embezzling $30K from Department

Derek Michael Loranger (Photo: Detroit Police)

A past Detroit Police sergeant is charged with stealing more than $30,000 from the department through a scheme involving inmate ATM cards.

Derek Michael Loranger, 46, who resigned Oct. 4, faces charges of embezzlement, using a computer to commit a crime, one count of misconduct in office and 10 counts of possession of a stolen financial transaction device, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday.

Loranger stole 10 ATM debit cards from the Detroit Detention Center this year over many months and fraudulently loaded money onto them from a Detroit Police Department bank account, authorities say. He then allegedly spent the money on himself.

“There is simply no excuse for this alleged behavior," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy in a statement. "The evidence will show that this defendant was placed in a position of trust at the Detroit Detention Center -- a place where people completely rely on others for their care. This simply cannot be tolerated."