July 16, 2025

Dallas Police Officer Faces Felony Theft Charges

News Summary

Senior Corporal Le Chau of the Dallas Police Department has turned himself in to authorities, facing a third-degree felony theft charge for allegedly stealing over $37,000 in merchandise from Apple retail stores. Investigations revealed Chau, who worked as an off-duty security officer, took advantage of his position to conceal items while on the job. Evidence gathered through surveillance footage has raised significant concerns about integrity within law enforcement, prompting departmental and criminal investigations into the matter.

Dallas

Senior Corporal Le Chau of the Dallas Police Department turned himself in to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office on July 10, 2025, facing a theft charge for an alleged theft exceeding $37,000 from several Apple retail stores. The charge is categorized as a third-degree felony, reflecting the serious nature of the crime, with the value of stolen property falling between $30,000 and $150,000.

Chau’s name emerged in an investigation initiated in early March 2025, following reports from Apple Inc. regarding a series of missing products from three of its top retail locations in Dallas: NorthPark, Knox Street, and the Galleria. These stores had notably high discrepancies in their inventory counts, which prompted closer scrutiny from both Apple and law enforcement.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Chau, who has been with the DPD since May 2013 and is currently assigned to the Basic Academy, had been working as an off-duty security officer in these Apple stores. His responsibilities included overseeing closed-circuit television cameras, which allowed him a unique position to engage in the alleged thefts without immediate detection.

Evidence gathered through Apple’s covert surveillance targeted Chau directly. On one occasion, he was caught concealing approximately 25 pieces of merchandise valued at $17,271 from the Dallas Galleria store. In another instance, he was reported to have concealed about 32 items worth $14,280 from the Knox Street Apple Store. Ultimately, the total estimated value of the goods allegedly stolen by Chau reached an alarming $37,806.

Additional investigation details revealed Chau’s methods for the thefts. Reports indicated he used a trash picker to reach items placed on high shelves and employed tactics to hide stolen merchandise beneath his police jacket and inside his shirt. This behavior was allegedly documented through surveillance footage, providing vital evidence to support the theft accusations.

In April 2025, FBI agents conducted an interview with Chau and his wife at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. During this encounter, it was reported that Chau’s wife had been selling Apple products on Facebook Marketplace, further raising suspicions of their involvement in the scheme.

As a response to the ongoing inquiry, Chau has been placed on administrative leave while the Dallas Police Department conducts its internal investigation into the allegations. His attorney has declined to provide any comments regarding the case. Following his surrender, Chau has since been released on bond.

The incident raises significant concerns about integrity and trust within law enforcement, especially as Chau had a role intended to help protect businesses, rather than exploit them. The outcomes of both the criminal and departmental investigations will be closely watched as they unfold.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges that retailers face regarding theft and highlights the necessity for stringent security measures in high-traffic retail environments.

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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

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