BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) -- Buffalo
Police Officer Michael Missana is off the job. He's yet another Buffalo cop
facing accusations of misconduct.
Michael Missana is accused of
stealing a mere $130, from a wallet, left behind at Café Aroma, back in August.
"He's not guilty. He pled
not guilty and it's the truth and it's the facts," said Colleen Missana.
Missana says she supports her
husband, who pleaded not guilty charges of official misconduct and petit
larceny. She said Officer Missana was unavailable to talk when we knocked on
the door.
7 Eyewitness News reporter Ed
Drantch asked Missana, how she thought her husband was named in this. Missana
said, "I have no comment. It's an open investigation and I don't have any
comment about it."
The investigation started after
two women found Ariel Brucato's wallet. She says they counted the cash and then
handed it over to Officer Missana.
The money wasn't there when
Missana returned the wallet to Brucato's home.
"I was approached by the
District Attorney's office and investigators, that (Missana) was being
investigated for taking the money. Obviously you want to trust that a cop
wouldn't do that," Brucato said.
Erie County District Attorney
Frank Sedita says Missana has been suspended, without pay, for 35 days.
"It's criminal. It's
alleged criminal conduct, so it's serious," Sedita said.
In digging for information, 7
Eyewitness News has learned Missana has been on the force less than two years.
He joins a list of Buffalo
Police officers who've been charged, convicted or suspended. There have been at
least 14 instances since 2012.
"He's been an outstanding
police officer. He loves his job. He fought hard for that job," Colleen
Missana said.
He'll continue fighting, while
Brucato fights for justice.
"It's a police officer and
I'm someone who works at a coffee shop. So I mean that's taking a lot more
money than I think he realized," Brucato said.
Missana has been released on
his own recognizance. Another court date has not yet been set.
