Norwich Police Officer Arrested for Missing Funds from Police Benevolent Association, US

A 16-year veteran Norwich police officer was arrested on Monday and charged with third-degree larceny following a two-year investigation into the theft of funds from the Norwich Police Benevolent Association (PBA). Ryan R. O’Connell, 42, the former president of the PBA, is accused of stealing $3,168.92 from the association between 2019 and 2021. The charges stem from 92 separate purchases made during this period. O’Connell turned himself in to authorities on Monday and was released with a promise to appear in court later this month. He has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. The case was transferred to the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney to avoid any potential conflict of interest. The Norwich Police Chief, Patrick Daley, declined to comment on the arrest but emphasized the urgency of the internal investigation. O’Connell served as president of the PBA since 2015 but resigned earlier this year after discrepancies were discovered in the association’s financial records. According to an affidavit, O’Connell admitted to using the association’s account for personal reasons. The investigation revealed various expenses, including small purchases at Dunkin Donuts and Dairy Queen, as well as larger expenses at hotels and restaurants. O’Connell provided explanations for some of the expenses, but others remain questionable. O’Connell’s attorney did not respond to requests for an interview with his client. The funds in question were meant to cover meals for officers working holidays, and the discrepancies were discovered just before Christmas, leaving the association unable to provide these meals. The investigation into the missing funds and the internal investigation by the police department are ongoing.