Topeka police officer arrested, charged with theft

TOPEKA - A police officer was charged with 144 offenses one week after his former partner was sentenced to 16 months in prison for stealing thousands of dollars intended for undercover drug buys.

Bruce Voigt, 41, of Topeka was arrested Thursday and released after he posted $25,000 bond. The charges against the 18-year veteran include perjury, falsifying evidence, official misconduct, theft and promoting obscenity.

Police said Voigt, who was placed on paid administrative leave around July 1, and Thomas Pfortmiller were arrested as a result of the same criminal probe. But District Attorney Robert Hecht said the case against Voigt isn't related to the Pfortmiller case.