Pocono News Section

Former Cop Sentenced for Stealing

Former Cop Sentenced for Stealing - Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 5:06PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008 @ 05:06pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- At one time officer Charles Byra was a respected police officer in Luzerne County. He worked at 6 different departments. But Wednesday the 29-year-old former cop was sentenced for stealing drugs and a gun from the evidence locker room.

Byra ran from us after he was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. He plead guilty for stealing cocaine and a gun from the Dupont Police Department.

He admitted he stole a handgun that eventually ended up in the hands of a heroin dealer.

Byra said after his sentencing, "I'm sorry for what I've done. I can't take it back, you know. I would if I could."

Byra could have served up to 15 years in prison. The judge said since Byra had no prior record and was trying to turn his life around, he felt the sentence was fair and within the guidelines of the law.