SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to embezzling $25,000 from a group that helps retired police dogs. Cpl. Eric Rimat, 45, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of grand theft and was placed on five years probation and ordered to repay the money plus $5,000 to the Orange County Police Canine Association. He must also perform 200 hours of community service.
Prosecutors said Rimat took money on 13 occasions from September 2002 to March 2004 from the Orange County Police Canine Association. He served as president of the organization for several years and left the organization last year. The missing money was discovered after the leadership changed hands, prosecutors said.
Rimat had also been charged with bigamy for being married to two women at the same time, but authorities said that charge was dismissed because neither woman was interested in seeing him prosecuted.
Defense attorney Ron Brower said Rimat remains on paid administrative leave while a medical disability retirement is being processed. He applied for the retirement before his arrest.
Rimat is a 16-year veteran of the department and holds 16 commendations, including the department's Purple Heart.
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