NEW HAMPTON — New Hampton’s police chief has resigned over $40.
According to city officials, Chief Tim Pederson tendered his resignation after he allegedly pocketed $40 that had been left behind at a store self-checkout lane in March.
The City Council accepted the resignation following a closed-door executive session.
“While the City of New Hampton is undoubtedly disappointed by Chief Pederson’s actions, we have been very pleased with his performance and the direction he has taken the police department,” city officials said in a news release.
“Chief Pederson will be missed by the entire New Hampton community. Chief Pederson will suffer a harsh consequence for his decision almost no other person would experience. However law enforcement is held to a higher standard and Chief Pederson recognized this and accepted responsibility and the consequences for his actions,” the release states.
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According to city officials, Pederson was shopping March 29 when he noticed $40 in cash left in the checkout lane. He allegedly left with the money instead of turning it over to store staff.
A short time later, the person who left the money contacted law enforcement. Pederson was then contacted by law enforcement and made aware the owner of the money had called the store about the forgotten money.
Pederson immediately returned to the area and turned the money over to the officer handling the call for service so it could be returned to its rightful owner, according to the city.