A Carlsbad police detective accused of stealing drugs from the department's property impound room pleaded not guilty in court on Friday afternoon.
Detective Michael C. Koch -- an 18-year veteran with the Carlsbad Police Department -- was allegedly seen by his employees stealing drugs from an evidence room on Jan. 19.
According to our media partner, the North County Times, Koch has been on paid leave ever since his arrest, receiving a monthly salary of $7,200.
Typically, city employees suspected of wrong-doing are placed on paid leave. After the investigation, the city takes action.
Court documents show that Koch had drugs in his possession at the time of his arrest on Jan. 19. He has been charged with felony burglary and one count felony possession, to which he pleaded not guilty.
He will be back in court on April 18.
To read more about Koch's investigation, visit the North County Times' website.
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