DeLand cop accused of stealing from Goodwill fired

DELAND, Fla. – A DeLand police officer resigned Wednesday after an internal investigation revealed he had stolen donated items from outside a Goodwill store, the police department said.

Officer Brice Miller was seen on surveillance loading items community members donated to the store at 1560 N. Woodland Blvd., into his patrol car while on duty last May, according to police. The items were left behind the store at a night drop-off location where signage clearly states "all items in and around this building are the property of Goodwill Industries."

DeLand Police Chief William Ridgway contacted Officer Miller who said he was given permission by a store employee to take the items if he was giving it to needy members of the community. Miller was placed on paid suspension pending an investigation.

An internal police investigation showed Miller's claims were false and he was put on unpaid suspension on June 19. Further investigation suggested Miller be terminated. Instead he resigned on August 1.