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Neptune Beach police officer arrested for grand theft

A Neptune Beach police officer was arrested for grand theft after money went missing after traffic stops or traffic violation arrests, officials said.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said officers began investigating in May after Neptune Beach police asked for the agency's assistance.

JSO said Chris Ortiz made an admission in the case, but did not give details. He was arrested July 18.

Officers said Ortiz stole money that was found during inventory of cars after traffic violation arrests.

Chief Richard Pike with Neptune Beach police said Ortiz had worked for the agency for a year and four days.

In March, Action News Jax reported that Ortiz gave a man a bicycle after his had been stolen.

He bought the man a bicycle with his own money, Neptune Beach police said.

BREAKING: Neptune Beach police officer arrested for grand theft: http://bit.ly/2tm7ZPy

Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, July 18, 2017

On March 5, 2017 Patrol Officers responded to a theft at a local business, in which two transient men were seen stealing...

Posted by Neptune Beach Police Department on Thursday, March 9, 2017