People love their cameras. Amateur shutterbugs use them to take snaps at family get-togethers, at community events, and simply for fun with pals. However, for a professional photojournalist, their camera and equipment can be indispensable pieces of gear. Without them, they cannot do their job. So just imagine the distress of a photojournalist named Angelina Katsanis, who works for the Associated Press, when her pricey cameras and gear were allegedly taken while she was on assignment. Not only that, it is the person who allegedly took the items that is very troubling.
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Katsanis was "covering a protest outside [Delaney Hall], an immigration detention center in Newark, authorities said," per USA Today. That was reportedly on Saturday, May 30. When she injured her knee and was transported to a hospital. she did not take her camera bag with her. Per the outlet, "Authorities said [Sgt. Darryl} Brown, who had been deployed to the protest site, took the bag."
A Police Officer Is Charged With Theft of the Items
There was an investigation of the matter. It was conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office. Then, according to the outlet, "Sgt. Darryl Brown, 43, of Sparta Township was charged with third-degree theft...."
What ultimately led the authorities to Brown was an Apple AirTag. It was affixed to something belonging to Angelina Katsanis that was among the items which disappeared. She reportedly used that Apple AirTag to help pinpoint the place where her belongings now were.
Investigators went to Sgt. Darryl Brown's home on Wednesday, June 3. When they conducted "a court-authorized search" at his residence, "several pieces of equipment" were located. Some of the gear "still displayed the journalist's name and phone number on attached labels....," according to USA Today.
In addition, video from Brown's bodycam allegedly depicts him with a bag that looks like the one belonging to Angelina Katsanis.
New Jersey AG: "Absolutely No One Is Above the Law"
The charges facing Darryl Brown were made public on Thursday, June 4. Jennifer Davenport, the New Jersey Attorney General, emphasized the fact that the law is applied equally to everyone. That includes those in law enforcement.
In a statement, Davenport noted, "So many police officers conduct themselves with integrity, uphold the law, maintain order and public safety, and serve our communities with distinction. When an officer does what is alleged in this case, it is a disservice to the profession and the public."
Per the outlet, "She added that 'absolutely no one is above the law....'"
