IMPD Chief Roach terminates Probationary Officer following theft charges

Chief Bryan Roach terminated Probationary Officer Juan Baez on 09/10/2018 following the conclusion of an investigation by Johnson County authorities who determined that Baez had filed false police reports and had pawned items he had claimed were stolen. Johnson County Authorities alerted the IMPD of their investigation into Baez, at which time the IMPD Special Investigations Unit (SIU) then began working jointly with them.

The IMPD SIU presented the case to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) who reviewed the case and filed formal charges against Baez. He was formally charged with counterfeiting, theft, and false informing. 

Baez had been placed on administrative leave on 09/06/2018 during the investigation and then was ultimately terminated on 09/10/2018.  Baez was a one-year veteran and had been assigned to Southeast District Late Shift with the IMPD. He was still under probationary status which allowed Chief Roach to immediately terminate his employment. IMPD officers are held to the highest standards, not only by the department but by the Indianapolis community. The actions of one does not reflect the outstanding work and sacrifice that over 1600 men and women of the IMPD do each and every day in serving their community.

IMPD continues to urge anyone with information on criminal activity to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS).  Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest.  Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. 

A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.