Ex-Deputy Denies Stealing Computer

A former Ventura County sheriff’s deputy on Monday denied stealing a department computer and filing false overtime claims when he pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony grand theft.

Darryl Dunn, 38, was arrested Nov. 19 on suspicion of stealing a $3,700 laptop computer. A further investigation led to an additional charge of filing about $5,000 in bogus overtime claims, Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael K. Frawley said.

At the time of his arrest, Dunn was a decorated 15-year veteran of the department. An anonymous tip and a two-week investigation led to his arrest, and he left the Sheriff’s Department on Feb. 2, Lt. Bill Edwards said. Edwards would not comment on whether Dunn was fired or had resigned.

Dunn, a patrolman, served as department liaison with engineers and residents of La Conchita when a mudslide devastated the beach community last year. In April, colleagues honored him for saving a suicidal man.