In a case that has raised significant concerns about trust and integrity within law enforcement, Senior Corporal Le Chau of the Dallas Police Department (DPD) has been accused of stealing more than $37,000 worth of merchandise from Apple Stores where he was employed as an off-duty security officer. The allegations have led to his arrest and subsequent administrative leave pending further investigation.
Background and Allegations
Senior Corporal Le Chau, a veteran officer with the DPD since 2013, was assigned to the Basic Academy. In addition to his official duties, Chau worked overnight security shifts at three Apple Store locations in Dallas: NorthPark, Knox Street, and the Galleria. These stores had been experiencing unusually high inventory discrepancies over the past two years, placing them among Apple’s top ten retail locations for such issues.
The situation came to light in March 2025 when Apple’s global security team initiated an investigation into the missing products. Surveillance footage revealed Chau engaging in suspicious activities during his shifts. He was observed bringing backpacks and duffel bags into the stores and leaving with them fully loaded. On one occasion, covert cameras captured him concealing approximately 25 pieces of merchandise beneath his Dallas Police Department raid jacket. In another instance, he used a trash picker to retrieve a box of AirPods from a top shelf, further indicating premeditated theft.
Investigation and Arrest
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) became involved in the case in March 2025 and notified the DPD’s Public Integrity Unit. The investigation uncovered that Chau’s wife was allegedly selling the stolen Apple products on Facebook Marketplace. This discovery added another layer to the case, suggesting a coordinated effort to profit from the stolen goods.
On April 23, 2025, FBI agents detained Chau and his wife at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. A subsequent search of their residence led to the seizure of multiple Apple products believed to be stolen from the stores. The total value of the merchandise taken was estimated at $37,806.
Following these developments, Chau turned himself in to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office on July 10, 2025. He was charged with theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony under Texas law. If convicted, Chau could face a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years.
Departmental Response and Public Reaction
The Dallas Police Department has placed Chau on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal and internal investigations. This action underscores the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency. DPD officials have stated that they are taking the allegations seriously and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations.
The community’s reaction has been one of disappointment and concern. Residents expressed feelings of betrayal upon learning that a trusted law enforcement officer was implicated in such activities. The case has sparked discussions about the importance of ethical conduct within the police force and the need for stringent oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Broader Implications
This incident is not isolated in the realm of law enforcement misconduct. In 2017, another Dallas police officer, Christopher Hankins, was arrested for attempting to shoplift $830 worth of groceries while wearing his DPD-issued jacket. Such cases highlight the critical need for continuous ethical training and robust internal controls within police departments to maintain public trust.
Conclusion
The allegations against Senior Corporal Le Chau serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement officers and the severe consequences of breaching that trust. As the investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served and measures are implemented to prevent future occurrences of similar misconduct.
