NYC police officer accused of stealing dead man's identity to buy herself diamond ring

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A New York City police officer is under arrest after authorities say she stole the identity of a respected architect who died in Manhattan.

In his fifth floor apartment steps from Union Square, Ken Sanden lived alone and died alone, discovered by police officers last July as they conducted a wellness check when he failed to show up at work.

Nearly a year later, prosecutors allege one of those police officers callously stole Sanden's credit, while she was supposed to be securing his valuables.

Evan Oppenheimer lived next door to the victim for 11 years.

"It's a horrible thing to do to somebody who obviously can't take care of themselves and it's an indignity that somebody doesn't deserve in death," said Oppenheimer.

The Manhattan DA's office says Officer Ymmacula Pierre, a 30-year old cop assigned to the NYPD's 6th precinct, vouchered Sanden's belongings as she was supposed to that day last July, logging some of his property, including his MasterCard.

But two days later, prosecutors allege the officer used that MasterCard number to buy herself a $3200 diamond ring from the online retailer Zales.

Sanden's niece Jennifer Rogers discovered the fraudulent credit card charge, and cancelled the order before it could be shipped.

She didn't want to discuss the case Tuesday night, but Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. did.

"Because police officers take an oath to protect and serve", he said in a statement, "they are held to a higher standard of behavior. No grieving relative should have to worry about alleged theft and misconduct by a uniformed officer in the aftermath of a loved one's passing."

Pierre has been on the job just three years. Now she is suspended without pay.

"That's just wrong and I don't know how someone can do that, take advantage of both Ken and her position," said Oppenheimer.