The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 1994           TAG: 9412140466
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: NORFOLK                            LENGTH: Short :   31 lines

OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICER CHARGED IN THEFT OF TWO VIDEOTAPES

A police officer was arrested Tuesday and charged with stealing two videotapes from a grocery store where he was working as a part-time security guard, authorities said.

The officer, 33-year-old Benjamin Daniel, is a nine-year veteran who is assigned to the 1st Patrol Division, according to police spokesman Larry Hill.

Hill said Daniel has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation by the Police Department.

He could be fired if investigators find he violated department rules.

Daniel is scheduled for trial Jan. 18 on a larceny charge, a misdemeanor.

Hill said Daniel was working as a plain-clothes security officer at a Farm Fresh on West 21st Street Dec. 7 when employees there reported that he took two videotapes.

Hill said store officials swore out the larceny summons.

Daniel was released on his promise to return to court.

He could not be reached for comment.

KEYWORDS: NORFOLK POLICE DEPARTMENT by CNB