Former Detective Sentenced for Embezzling £85,000 from Police Fund
A former detective, Michelle Kirsty Reason, was sentenced to over four years in prison for embezzling more than £85,000 from Derbyshire Police. The 54-year-old ex-officer, who was part of a team handling drug-related crimes, pleaded guilty to theft and misconduct, resulting in a sentence of four years and two months.
During her time as an exhibits officer, Reason exploited her unique access to the secure storage at the police force, siphoning off large amounts of cash over a period of several years. The funds had originally been confiscated from criminal activities. Her illegal activities began in early 2022, during which she managed to divert the funds without detection.
Initially, Reason took £15,000 secretly but continued her illicit withdrawals upon realizing her actions went unnoticed. Her misappropriations went on until she exited the police department in December 2025. However, suspicions were raised during a review of the exhibits in preparation for an impending court case, leading to questions about the missing funds.
Realizing that her half-decade deception was unraveling, Reason admitted to the theft. She provided investigating officers with transparent accounts of her actions, even presenting the original evidence bags as proof of her misdeeds.
At the court in Mansfield, she confessed to taking a total sum of £87,174.05, in addition to some foreign currency. As the court proceedings unfolded, Deputy Temporary Chief Constable Michelle Shooter, expressed profound disappointment, highlighting the breach of trust. She emphasized that her actions were a dishonour to the police force and its commitment to the public.
In a concluding note from the legal proceedings, the court announced a subsequent hearing, set for April, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which will further address the outcomes of Reason’s financial crimes. This case underscores an unwavering stance to ensure integrity within the force and pursue justice against those who exploit their positions for personal gain.
