An arrest warrant calling for his arrest highlights how retired East Haven Police Officer Michael D'Amato allegedly stole more than $1,000 from the police department's evidence room last year.

D'Amato, who appeared in New Haven Superior Court on May 17, turned himself in to State Police in Montville on May 10 on a second degree larceny charge.

D'Amato retired from the force in December and was a detective in the Youth Division at the time of the alleged incident on March 14, 2011. The criminal investigation was investigated by State Police Eastern District Major Crime detectives, who obtained the arrest warrant.

According to the warrant, Officer Dennis Spaulding seized $1,328 in cash, marijuana, and a motor vehicle during a traffic stop on March 12, 2011. In all, there were eight evidence items. Seven items, excluding the vehicle, were placed in clear plastic evidence bags. At the time, the evidence was logged, an act that was witnessed by Sgt. Gary DePalma.

On March 21, 2011, Deputy Chief John Mannion was told by Capt. Henry Butler that the money was missing from the evidence room. The warrant states that Sgt. George Kammerer noticed the money was gone when he conducted a routine check of the evidence room. The warrant states that Kammerer could only find four evidence bags. A fifth was later found.

During the investigation, surveillance video from March 12, 2011 through March 17, 2011 was viewed. Four officers were viewed entering the room, as well as a "white male dressed in civilian attire." That individual, according to the warrant, entered the evidence room at least six times and left holding items in his hands. At one point, the items are noted as evidence bags. The individual was identified as D'Amato.

On July 12, 2011, D'Amato was interviewed by a detective. The warrant states that D'Amato said there was "no reason at all" for him to enter the evidence room between March 12, 2011 and March 16, 2011. The warrant also states that D'Amato said he didn't remember going into the evidence room many times. He also "further stated that he has no knowledge or involvement in the theft of the missing evidence and in fact denied any involvement."