Former State College Police Officer Accused of Stealing Marijuana Vape Pen on Duty Accepted into ARD Program

A former State College police officer accused of stealing a marijuana vape pen while on duty was accepted into a pre-trial intervention program that could allow him to have his criminal record cleared.

Centre County Judge David Grine ordered 41-year-old Christopher M. Tooley to complete a 12-month Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, according to court records.

ARD is a program for non-violent offenders who have a limited or no prior criminal record. Successful completion gives the defendant an opportunity to have charges dismissed and their record expunged. Participants must abide by terms and conditions, including remaining arrest-free and refraining from use or possession of controlled substances.

Tooley will be required to serve one day of community service, take an online course called “Corrective Thinking,” and pay $1,335 in costs and fees.

Grine signed the order admitting Tooley to the ARD program on Sept. 15.

According to a criminal complaint, Tooley took the $35 vape pen, which contained a THC cartridge, from a woman’s belongings on April 12 at the police station. He allegedly kept the vape pen and cartridge for his personal use after his shift ended.

He was charged in July with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The police department placed Tooley on administrative leave and conducted a separate internal investigation upon learning of the alleged incident, according to a previous statement from State College police. 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 in July 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.”