Deputy loses police license after fraudulent transaction involving Pokémon cards

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A sheriff’s deputy in Kansas lost his police license after he attempted to purchase Pokémon cards using the barcodes from less expensive items.

Former Johnson County sheriff’s deputy William Knight was using a self-checkout at a store in May when a security guard became suspicious of him. Knight, who was in uniform, told the guard he had to leave on a “call” when he was approached by the guard, according to The Kansas City Star.

According to court records obtained by KSHB, Knight later admitted that he had removed barcodes from lower-priced products he had at home and placed them on at least 12 sets of Pokémon cards valued at around $400.

He was arrested and charged with one count of an unlawful act involving a theft detection shielding device on May 13. Knight spent two days at an adult detention center before posting bond.

The sheriff’s office told The Kansas City Star that Knight “separated” from the agency on May 16.

In November, the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training revoked his law enforcement license, according to KSHB.

©2022 Cox Media Group