Officer Ymmacula Pierre

NEW YORK — Prosecutors say a police officer who allegedly used a deceased man’s credit cards to purchase a diamond ring was indicted this Tuesday.

Officer Ymmacula Pierre, 30, is charged with identity theft, attempted grand larceny, official misconduct, and possession of stolen property. Pierre, a three-year veteran with the NYPD, was released without bail, but required to hand over her passport during arraignment.

Police records show on July 14, 2014, Pierre entered the apartment of Ken Sanden, and discovered he had died. Pierre took some of the Sanden’s property, including credit cards, and placed it into police custody. Two days later, Pierre allegedly used that credit card number to purchase a diamond ring worth over $3,000 from a Zales jewelry store.

District Attorney Cyrus Vance gave the following statement:

“Because police officers take an oath to protect and serve, they are held to a higher standard of behavior in the course of their duties. In this case, the defendant is accused of disgraceful conduct by using the credit card information of a dead man to buy expensive jewelry. No grieving relative should have to worry about alleged theft and misconduct by a uniformed officer in the aftermath of a loved one’s passing.”

Pierre’s attorney, Israel Fried, submitted a plea of not guilty on behalf of his client.

“She’s a sweet and nice person. She’s maintaining her innocence,” Fried said.

Sanden’s family contacted Zales after they were notified of a possible fraudulent purchase. Pierre had apparently requested the ring be delivered to a friend’s residence. Records show Pierre used the same friend’s address as a reference as a personal reference on her employment application with the NYPD.

Pierre is scheduled to appear in court on August 11. She has been placed on administrative leave without pay for 30 days.