Former Officer Gets 90 Days for Thefts

SANTA ANA — A former Santa Ana police officer was sentenced to 90 days in jail Friday after pleading guilty to felony grand theft for stealing money from an undercover officer in an internal-affairs sting operation.

William T. Cleary, 27, of Chino also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of petty theft for stealing $400 from a criminal suspect. The two guilty pleas mean Cleary will not be able to work on any police force in the state.

Superior Court Judge John Watson told Cleary he could apply for a work furlough program in June.

After a suspect complained to police that Cleary had taken money from him during an arrest, undercover officers set up a Jan. 23 sting. During the operation, Cleary took $1,140 from an officer posing as a suspect.

Following his arrest, Santa Ana police officials initiated administrative action against Cleary, who had been on the force for two years. However, he resigned in February before any action was taken.