Santa Clara police officer arraigned on charges of operating chop shop
SAN JOSE, Calif. (BCN)— A Santa Clara police officer was arraigned today on charges related to operating a chop shop out of San Jose.
Tyson Sheridan Green, 41, appeared out of custody at the Hall of Justice in San Jose, where he was arraigned on a count of owning or operating a chop shop and two felony counts of possession of stolen property, Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Michael Vidmar said after today's hearing.
Green allegedly stole multiple car parts, including high-end engines from multiple Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vehicles, and running a chop shop out of a San Jose garage, Vidmar said.
The 41-year-old man allegedly stole four Camaro engines worth $15,000 each and 12 car computers, according to prosecutors.
Green stood in a dark-colored suit next to defense attorney Sam Polverino in court today and was scheduled to return to court on June 1 for a plea hearing.
Investigators learned about the operation through a man who saw a Craigslist listing for a Chevrolet Camaro engine and contacted Green, prosecutors said.
The prospective buyer could tell the engine was stolen and based on personal knowledge suspected the parts were stolen, according to prosecutors.
The officer faces more than five years in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.
"We entrust police officers to protect and assist our community and when we find them on the wrong side of the law it's, for very obvious reasons, incredibly frustrating and disappointing," Vidmar said.
Polverino is working on reviewing the case and called on the public to keep an open mind.
"These are allegations and Officer Green is a 14-year veteran, someone who's done a lot of good work and has represented this community in a very positive way," Polverino said.