Veteran LAPD Officer Pleads Not Guilty To Grand Theft

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A veteran Los Angeles policewoman has pleaded not guilty to faking military leave in order to get paid time off.

Prosecutors say Christine Bulicz entered the pleas Thursday to grand theft and attempted grand theft. She could face nearly 4 ½ years in jail if convicted.

Bulicz, a 15-year veteran of the department, was arrested last month and is free on bail.

Bulicz is a member of the California National Guard. Prosecutors say she falsely claimed to need time off from the LAPD for guard activities.

Authorities claim she submitted phony documents that allowed her to take more than $5,400 worth of time off.