The former head of the Mesquite Police Department's narcotics unit was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on Monday for stealing about $2,000 in government money during an undercover drug operation.
John David McAllister, 42, a former Mesquite police sergeant, must report to officials with the Bureau of Prisons by July 19.U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay sentenced McAllister Monday afternoon in a Dallas federal courtroom three months after the former officer pleaded guilty to theft of government money.Acting on a tip that an officer was stealing drug money, FBI agents staged an undercover drug deal in March. At that time, McAllister's duties included executing search warrants at suspected drug stash locations and assisting uniform officers with vehicles that were suspected of transporting drugs.On March 1, FBI agents conducted an undercover operation using $100,000 in cash in 52 bundles. McAllister was contacted about a suspected drug courier. After arriving at a parking lot, McAllister searched a vehicle and found a duffle bag and a plastic bag that contained $100,000.Authorities advised McAllister to take the money to the Mesquite Police Department.While on his way to the police station, McAllister removed one of the wrapped bundles of cash, containing $2,000. A surveillance camera captured McAllister placing his hand in the bag and taking one of the bundles and stashing it in his pants.While under surveillance, McAllister left the Mesquite police station, drove to Town East Mall in Mesquite and purchased a $480 watch at The Buckle, federal authorities have said. FBI agents obtained a photocopy of the cash used in the purchase and it matched the money that federal authorities had used in the undercover operation.FBI agents arrested McAllister on March 3 with a portion of the stolen money in his wallet.Domingo Ramirez Jr., 817-390-7763
