MATTHEWS, N.C. — Since 2009, Melissa Guillet was responsible for the security of seized and found property items at the Matthews Police Department.
Eyewitness News learned Thursday she's accused of stealing $2,000 and a gun from evidence. She is expected to turn herself in, police said.
No one answered when Channel 9 went by her home in north Charlotte.
Her neighbor said Guillet's estranged husband made a surprising comment to her a few weeks ago.
"He said he had things against her to blackmail her," Hellen Kimenhour said.
The Matthews Police Chief said Guillet's estranged husband told them she was stealing from the evidence locker.
"She did eventually admit to the theft," Police Chief Rob Hunter said.
The chief says the items taken were evidence in cases that had already been decided in court.
The gun was supposed to be destroyed, and the money was to be given to the area school board.
"This affects the reputation and integrity of every individual in this department," Hunter said.
The chief said this is a personal matter for him.
"That type of action or conduct is something that we will not tolerate," Hunter said.
He said the department has added new policies requiring extra people to track and be accountable for items in evidence.
He says no current criminal cases are in jeopardy.
"However, we are conducting an absolute and complete inventory and audit," he said.
The chief fired Guillet earlier this month, and once she turns herself in, she will face three counts of embezzlement.