A criminal complaint filed in magisterial district court provides new details about the charges against a now-former State College police officer accused of stealing a marijuana vape pen while on duty.
State College police issued a release on Friday stating that the officer, later identified as 41-year-old Christopher Tooley, was being charged after the case was turned over to Pennsylvania State Police for an independent investigation.
Tooley is charged with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the complaint, made available this week, Tooley “took possession” of a woman’s belongings during his shift at about 3:10 p.m. on April 12 at the police station.
A few minutes later, Tooley allegedly removed a $35 purple Wulf vape pen containing a THC cartridge before returning the belongings to the woman’s family. He kept the vape pen with the THC cartridge after his shift ended for his personal use, according to the complaint.
The complaint did not explain why Tooley and the department initially came into possession of the woman’s belongings.
Tooley was charged by summons. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18.
Police said last week that the department placed Tooley on administrative leave and conducted a separate internal investigation upon learning of the alleged incident.
Tooley resigned prior to the conclusion of the internal discipline process.
“The State College Police Department prides itself on our professionalism and integrity and are deeply saddened by the negative impact this event may have on the public’s trust,” a statement from the department said. “We hope that the department’s actions will help restore credibility in the State College Police Department commitment to provide the exemplary police services our community expects.”
A defense attorney for Tooley is not listed in court documents.
