WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a significant development for public safety and accountability, arrest warrants were issued on August 18, 2026, for six current and former members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in the Fifth District. The warrants, signed by a judge of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, relate to charges of overtime fraud, with the implicated officers accused of claiming pay for hours they did not work during the calendar year 2024.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced that the individuals facing charges include Peter Sheldon, Frantz Fulcher, Thomas Krmenec, Bernadette Richardson, Dorrie Smith Cleere, and Johnnie Dyer. “Every day, we rely on law enforcement to uphold the public’s trust. These MPD members betrayed that trust by scheming to collect unearned, undeserved income, costing the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Pirro stated, emphasizing the importance of accountability in law enforcement.
The accused officers will face serious charges, including first-degree fraud, first-degree theft, forgery, and uttering. Investigators uncovered evidence indicating that multiple employees within the Fifth District manipulated official records, forged supervisory approvals, and submitted false claims for overtime hours. Notably, the investigation revealed instances where officers claimed overtime compensation while on annual leave or during personal travel outside of the District.
The investigation utilized a variety of independent data sources, including body-worn camera footage, GPS records, and personnel files. These resources collectively demonstrated a pattern of deliberate falsification of overtime submissions. The methods identified included forging signatures on overtime authorization forms and utilizing administrative roles to facilitate fraudulent processes.
This case, which underscores ongoing efforts to combat fraud in public service, was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Morris. As the judicial process unfolds, it is essential to remember that charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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