A retired Los Angeles police detective accused of embezzling more than $150,000 from a foundation that represents black Los Angeles Police Department officers and employees pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a felony charge.
James Edwards, 64, is due back in Los Angeles Superior Court Nov. 6, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial on the embezzlement count.
Edwards began serving as president of the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation in July 2011, and, as president, was the only person authorized to write checks or withdraw funds from the foundation’s bank account, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors allege that Edwards stole more than $150,000 over a two-year period, then resigned from the organization in July 2013 after being questioned by foundation officials about unauthorized transactions.
Edwards retired from the LAPD soon afterward, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Edwards has paid back most of the funds and faces up to four years in county jail if convicted of the charge, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
— City News Service