BWC Video Release of CMPD Officer Arrested & Charged with Embezzlement

Published on June 25, 2024

Charlotte, N.C. – (Tuesday, June 25, 2024) – Today, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released body-worn camera (BWC) video footage of a CMPD officer who was arrested and charged with embezzlement following an incident that occurred on March 14, 2024. The video footage was ordered for release by a judge following a court petition.

On Thursday, March 14, 2024, at approximately 4:19 p.m., Officer Henry Chapman assisted on a traffic stop near The Plaza and E WT Harris Blvd. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant. Chapman transported the arrestee from the traffic stop to the University City Division Patrol Office to be transferred into the custody of another officer who was to transport the arrestee to the Mecklenburg County Jail.

At approximately 5:33 p.m., while awaiting transfer of custody at the division office, the arrestee made his initial allegation that Chapman had stolen his property. During a search of Chapman’s patrol vehicle, the stolen property, approximately $900, was located inside of the patrol vehicle’s driver’s side door. A University City Division Sergeant removed Chapman from the area and placed him in a separate room in the division office. An immediate investigation was launched into the allegations made by the arrestee.

Following the discovery of the stolen property, notifications were made to the University City Division’s chain of command and CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division to determine the course of action.

Chapman was later interviewed by detectives regarding the discovery of the stolen property. At the conclusion of the interview, Chapman was placed under arrest and transported to the Mecklenburg County Jail and charged with one count of Embezzlement.

For a timeline of the incident, please see below:

4:19 p.m. – 5:33 p.m.: Initial traffic stop and subsequent arrest of arrestee on outstanding warrants; transport to the University City Division Office
5:33 p.m. – 5:51 p.m.: Initial allegation made by arrestee, evidence located, Chapman removed from area and placed in office
5:51 p.m. – 6:28 p.m.: Notifications made to University City Division chain of command and CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division to determine course of action
6:28 p.m. – 12:10 a.m.: Detectives arrive at the University City Division Office to begin the criminal investigation process (including search, interviews and viewing of BWC)
12:10 a.m.: Chapman placed under arrest
12:10 a.m. – 4:38 a.m.: Administrative paperwork, transport and arrest processing for Chapman

During this time, the CMPD’s Internal Affairs Division also initiated a simultaneous internal investigation into this incident. Chapman was immediately placed on unpaid administrative leave.

On Friday, March 15, 2024, Chapman resigned from his position as a police officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

As a result of the internal investigation, it was determined that Chapman had two sustained violations in this incident: Body-Worn Camera (BWC) violation and Conformance to Laws.

Chapman was hired on September 14, 2009, and was assigned to the University City Division.

The investigation was completed by CMPD and turned over to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office for review.

To view video footage of this incident, click here.

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