Contra Costa Deputy Arrested on Burglary, Embezzlement and Assault-Weapon Charges

Overview

• Kevin Lee, 62, was booked on four felony counts and held on $160,000 bail after investigators arrested him in connection with alleged thefts from the sheriff’s Property Services Unit on Tuesday.
• Authorities charged Lee with burglary, embezzlement, receiving stolen property and possession of an assault weapon, though officials have not publicly detailed what items were allegedly taken or the weapon’s make.
• Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston said the office launched a thorough investigation and that any employee involved in criminal conduct will be held accountable.
• The sheriff’s office has asked the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to conduct an independent audit of the Property Services Unit to review procedures and controls.
• The Property Services Unit stores seized and turned-in property, so the alleged thefts raise questions about evidence integrity and internal controls; Lee joined the department in 1990 and was assigned to the unit as a per-diem deputy in 2012.