A Michigan State Police officer is resigning after initially denying he knew about two U.S. Border Patrol agents who stole items during search warrants. The officer later admitted he knew about the theft.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette today announced Craig Ziecina, 44, of Hanover, has pleaded guilty to one count of Willful Neglect of Duty by Public Officer and will resign from his post with the Michigan State Police. The plea stems from his involvement with two U.S Border Patrol agents who stole items for their personal use during the execution of search warrants in Jackson County.

After a traffic stop by Trooper Ziecina in December 2014, two search warrants were executed by Ziecina, two U.S. Border Patrol Agents, and multiple other law enforcement officials. At each of the search warrant locations a personal item was stolen by the Border Patrol Agents. The items were then kept for their personal use. Ziecina was aware of the theft. When originally interviewed, Ziecina denied involvement.  During a second interview, Ziecina admitted to having knowledge of the theft and choosing not to say anything about it previously. At the time charges were filed, Ziecina was suspended without pay from the Michigan State Police.

Ziecina entered his guilty plea today in Jackson Circuit Court before Judge John G. McBain. As part of the plea, a second count of Lying to a Peace Officer was dropped. He agreed to resign by his sentencing date of September 7, 2016 at 9AM.

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