Ex-Conshohocken cop sentenced in parking meter thefts

A former Conshohocken police sergeant who admitted he pilfered change from parking meters to pay his bills was sentenced Friday to two years' probation.

A CBSlocal.com report said Anthony J. Santoro, 47, a 22-year veteran of the Conshohocken police force, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court to a misdemeanor charge of theft by unlawful taking. Santoro was immediately sentenced by Judge Steven T. O'Neill to probation, and also to make $1,500 in restitution to the borough.

The incidents occurred in late 2009 when Santoro fell behind on his bills and was looking for a quick way to raise cash, the reports said. The incidents continued into 2010. "To otherwise have a stellar, admirable career and throw it away for a few hundred dollars, it's absolutely sickening," Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney John Gradel was quoted as saying.

The thefts were discovered by the police chief, who noticed that Santoro would go with the parking officer for meter collection. When the parking officer left the car and wasn't looking, Santoro would dip into the coin collection bins and take handfuls of money for himself, news reports said.    - Inquirer staff

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