Cpl. Juan D. Carter, a 13-year veteran of the Prince George's County Police Department, has been arrested and charged with misconduct in office, theft and theft scheme from an internal investigation of the theft of several confiscated guns.

"I am sickened that an officer on our police department could engage in such despicable behavior," Police Chief Roberto L. Hylton said. "I applaud our Special Investigative Response Team for their relentless work that led to the closure of this crime. Bad cops have to be rooted out; they tarnish the good work that is being done by the rest of our officers."

According to authorities, the Prince George's County Police Department realized in November 2009 that several guns that had been seized by Maryland State Police-led "Gun Interdiction Task Force" were missing. Carter had been assigned to the task force since September 2007. The Special Investigative Response Team's investigation revealed evidence that Carter was involved with the disappearance of the confiscated weapons and files are being charged against him.

Carter is now in the custody of the Department of Corrections with bond set at $200,000.