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D.A.: Cop paid for lotion, stole toys

A Philadelphia police officer arrested Monday on theft and related charges was released on her own recognizance Tuesday. Bridgette Paris, 48, a 14-year veteran of the force, faces arraignment and a preliminary hearing on June 5, court records said.

A Philadelphia police officer arrested Monday on theft and related charges was released on her own recognizance Tuesday. Bridgette Paris, 48, a 14-year veteran of the force, faces arraignment and a preliminary hearing on June 5, court records said.

Paris, of Paschall Avenue near South 50th Street, was charged with retail theft, theft by unlawful taking, forgery, receiving stolen property and related offenses.

The alleged thefts occurred between October and November 2011 at a Toys 'R' Us in South Philadelphia, said Tasha Jamerson, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Seth Williams. Jamerson said Paris allegedly worked with several store employees to steal money and merchandise.  In one example, Jamerson said Paris purchased a bottle of hand lotion and paid for it, but also allegedly walked out of the store with hundreds of dollars of other items.

Jamerson said some of the other thefts allegedly involved false refunds or false exchanges of goods.  She did not provide any details about the goods Paris allegedly stole.

Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said he will suspend Paris for 30 days with intent to dismiss.