Irvine Police Department Press Release

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
irvinepd.org

10/15/2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release #:
101519
Contact:
Commander Noelle Smiley
949-724-7025
nsmiley@cityofirvine.org

Grand Theft Charges Filed against Former Sergeant: Statement from Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel

Grand theft charges were filed today against Mr. Matthew August, a former police sergeant with the Irvine Police Department. August is accused of falsifying overtime records and receiving over $68,000 in compensation for overtime he did not work from February 25, 2017 to October 19, 2018.

A link to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office press release can be found here.

Background:

In June 2018, the Irvine Police Department discovered irregularities surrounding August’s accounting of his overtime. Due to the potential criminal implications, the information was turned over to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for investigation while the Irvine Police Department launched an administrative investigation into August’s conduct.

Mr. August was employed by the Irvine Police Department from November 2005 to August 12, 2019.

Statement from Chief Mike Hamel:

“The disappointment we feel as a department and as a profession when one of our members betrays the public’s trust cannot be overstated. This is an isolated incident and I am proud of the men and women in our department, who are held to the highest standards, and who consistently provide quality service to the Irvine community with integrity, respect, and accountability.”

“I would like to thank the Orange County District Attorney’s office for their professionalism and for dedicating the resources required to conduct this complicated investigation.”

 

Inquiries regarding the criminal investigation should be directed to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.