Ft. Worth Police Officer Fired

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A North Texas police officer has been fired after being accused of stealing more than $20,000 from a business bank account to pay his personal bills.
Fort Worth police Chief Jeff Halstead on Wednesday night announced the dismissal of Officer Lovon Ponder Jr. A disciplinary letter says Ponder, who was hired in October 2011, was indefinitely suspended Aug. 23.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram (http://bit.ly/13eFOwZ ) reports Ponder, who played football for the University of Miami between 2004 and 2008, has appealed.

Records show Ponder allegedly obtained the routing and account number of a medical supply company after a refund check was mailed to his apartment in a former tenant's name. An apartment manager became suspicious and contacted police.

No charges were immediately filed. An attorney for Ponder didn't immediately comment.

Information from: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, http://www.star-telegram.com