An Atlantic City police officer is facing third-degree theft charges after spending money mistakenly deposited into his checking account by his bank.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that LaQuay DuBose, 37, spent approximately $35,000 of the $100,000 accidentally deposited into his account.

The prosecutor’s office disclosed that the bank deposited the money into DuBose’s account on March 21, 2023. However, realizing the error six days later, bank officials promptly withdrew the money and closed DuBose’s account. The incident left his account overdrawn by about $35,903.

DuBose, who joined the police force initially under the Class II rank before becoming a full-time police officer in 2019, now faces the consequences of his actions. The Atlantic City Police Department suspended him without pay after the charges were filed.

Lieutenant Kevin Fair of the Atlantic City Police Department stated: “In March 2023, the Atlantic City Police Department was notified of discrepancies regarding the personal bank account of Officer LaQuay DuBose. In accordance with the Attorney General Guidelines, the information was forwarded to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office to review and investigate. Ultimately, criminal charges were filed against DuBose.”

Prosecutors have charged DuBose with third-degree theft, a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

DuBose, with an annual salary of $61,018 according to records, now faces legal proceedings. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The Atlantic City community and law enforcement await the resolution of this legal matter that has raised questions about financial integrity within the police department.

DuBose is not the only New Jersey officer in legal hot water this year.

A lieutenant with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office was charged with officer misconduct and other offenses after he allegedly stole drugs from the agency’s evidence room.