A Los Angeles Police Department officer assigned to the Northeast Division was arrested on Jan. 27 for allegedly taking cash during a search at an illegal cannabis growing operation.

Officer Louis Mota was arrested on suspicion of theft. The incident occurred on Jan. 27 while narcotics officers were conducting an operation at an undisclosed location.

During the operation, an individual working at the facility notified an LAPD supervisor that money was missing from her personal backpack. The supervisor took immediate action, secured the scene and initiated an investigation into the missing money.

A review of closed circuit cameras in the building led investigators to believe Mota had taken cash from the employee’s backpack. The department’s Internal Affairs Group was immediately notified and Mota’s badge, gun and department ID were removed as he was taken into custody.

“No employee of this department is above the law, and we will not tolerate any individual who betrays the public’s trust through this type of behavior,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore said.

The LAPD’s Northeast Division oversees portions of east Hollywood. Mota was booked for misdemeanor theft and released on his own recognizance. He has been assigned to home pending the outcome of the administrative and criminal investigation.