A former Oakland Police Chief from Fremont was sentenced for misuse of public funds.
In federal court Wednesday, Terry A. Poland, 34, was sentenced to three years of probation, 60 days of which must be served in jail as a condition of probation.
Poland pleaded guilty in April 2023 to Misuse of Public Funds. Poland paid $14,631.00 in restitution, agreed to surrender his law enforcement certification, and not to work as a law enforcement officer in the future.
Between February 2020 and January 2021, Poland purchased 27 gift cards from a sporting goods store that totaled to $14,631.00 of Oaklands funds.
Poland used the gift cards to purchase a variety of items for family and friends. Items including women’s and children’s clothing, an ice fishing house, an auger, fishing equipment and more.
When an outside auditor questioned the purchase of gift cards, they requested receipts from Poland. Poland stated that the gift cards were used to purchase ammunition for the Oakland Police Department. Poland provided five false receipts that were captioned “Purchase Statement” and listed dates and ammunition bought from the store.
The statements did not match the store’s records.
The case was investigated by the FBI.
