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#byefelicia
An Illinois cop, Brian Barker, was arrested for burglarizing homes and businesses while on duty and in uniform
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Edwardsville officer Brian Barker, 41, was charged Tuesday with stealing money and firearms from numerous businesses and a home
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The 19-year police veteran sometimes stole while on duty or in uniform, police told
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On a few occasions, he responded to the burglary calls for service.
"We feel like we've been kicked in the gut," Chief Jay Keeven told
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"It was a complete shock."
Barker became a person of interest in a string of burglaries after Reality Salon and Spa discovered money was stolen from the register
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Edwardsville police handed the investigation over to the Madison County Sheriff's Department, which linked Barker to 10 counts of robbery at businesses, including law offices, a gym and a tailor, between May 2012 and November 2014.
"It's disheartening filing charges against a law enforcement officer,"
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State's Attorney Thomas Gibbons said. "Their sworn duty is to protect and serve our communities. However, when they violate that trust, it is up to my office to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
The city and police will cooperate fully with an internal investigation, Mayor Hall Patton
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Barker was placed on administrative leave without pay pending the results of a formal disciplinary procedure.
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was also charged for possession of six stolen firearms.
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released from Madison County Jail Thursday after posting $17,500 cash for a total $175,000 bond.
This arrest is not the first time Edwardsville police have been in legal trouble.
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former police chief James Bedell pleaded guilty to embezzlement and an officer pleaded guilty to recording a woman at a tanning salon with his cellphone.
"It is disappointing that one bad apple can hurt all of the great work done by the men and women in uniform,
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SOURCES
http://www.bnd.com/2014/12/26/3581192_edwardsville-police-officer-charged.html?rh=1
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http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/...cle_61dbd039-b317-5360-8104-69c7c2ee831f.html