WATERTOWN — The Watertown Police Department said an officer has resigned after he was charged with stealing jewelry from a police-sponsored charity golf tournament.
Watertown Chief John Gavallas said 26-year-old Christopher Masayda resigned in lieu of termination. The Republican-American reports that Masayda appeared in court on Thursday and applied for accelerated rehabilitation.
Accelerated rehabilitation is a pretrial diversion program and could lead to the dismissal of charges if a defendant completes the program. A ruling is expected Jan. 11.
State police arrested Masayda on Nov. 6 after he was seen allegedly stealing $600 worth of jewelry that had been donated as raffle prizes for a golf tournament raising money for a cancer treatment center.
Masayda’s lawyer said his client is a perfect candidate for accelerated rehabilitation and was “a fine officer.”
