Police officer accused of stealing from Hispanics

DECATUR - A four-year veteran of the DeKalb County police has been accused of stealing money from Hispanic drivers during traffic stops. <br> <br> Officer M.A. Williams, 30, was arrested Wednesday and jailed on charges of theft by taking and violation of his oath of office, a felony that can result in a 20-year prison sentence. <br> <br> Police said a three-week investigation uncovered complaints from the Latino community that the officer had shaken down drivers for cash in at least two instances. The amount of money allegedly involved was not disclosed. <br> <br> Tension between the police and the Hispanic community has been high since an off-duty officer fatally shot a 19-year-old May 5 at a Cinco de Mayo celebration. <br> <br> ``I want the citizens to know that there is zero tolerance for this type of offense,&#39;&#39; county Chief Executive Vernon Jones said.