An 18-year veteran officer with the Conroe Police Department was arrested and charged with felony theft for allegedly taking a driver’s wallet during a traffic stop.
Raymond McCreary, 42, was arrested Thursday and booked in the Montgomery County Jail on a charge of felony theft by a public servant.
McCreary, who has been with the department since 2004, is no longer employed with the police department.
Police Chief Jeff Christy called the incident an “embarrassment” and a “great disappointment” for the department.
ON YOURCONROENEWS.COM: Conroe resident living in storage shed, 3 others facing health and safety risks to get new homes
“Myself and the dedicated men and women of this department are appalled and embarrassed by the actions of McCreary,” Christy stated in a release. “We understand that his actions tarnish the reputation of our department, but his actions in no way represent the honorable conduct of the dedicated personnel who serve this community with integrity and pride on a daily basis. Misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated.”
According to the release, the arrest stems from McCreary’s actions during an Aug. 21 traffic stop. The driver of a car that was stopped and ultimately towed by McCreary reported to the police department that his wallet and cash were stolen from inside the vehicle.
“A joint criminal investigation by the Conroe Police Department and Texas Rangers Company ‘A’ resulted in a confession and probable cause for an arrest of McCreary,” Christy stated in the release. “He was taken into custody at the Conroe Police Department and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.”
Christy said the money will be returned to the motorist.
McCreary along with his father, Grange, were the first family duo to work for the department.
Grange, who died from COVID-19 complications in September 2021, began his career in 1978 and retired in 2012. Grange was instrumental in McCreary following in his footsteps.
“When I was growing up, I wanted to be just like my dad. All I ever wanted to be was a police officer,” McCreary said in a 2021 Courier article.
The incident is still under investigation.
