A San Francisco sheriff’s deputy has been charged with felony robbery and burglary charges in connection with a bank robbery in the city’s Outer Richmond neighborhood earlier this month, prosecutors said today.
Philip Chun Tong, 36, was arrested this morning in the 400 block of Seventh Street by San Francisco police in connection with the Nov. 7 robbery at a Bank of America branch at 3701 Balboa St.
Sheriff’s spokeswoman Susan Fahey confirmed that Tong is a sworn deputy with the department.
Tong allegedly entered the bank around 4:50 p.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money, according to police. The note said the suspect had a weapon, but no weapon was displayed.
The teller handed over around $1,700 in cash and Tong left on foot, according to the district attorney’s office.
Police identified Tong as a suspect in the robbery using video surveillance and his fingerprints, which were found on the demand note, prosecutors said.
He has been charged with one count of robbery and one count of burglary, both felonies, prosecutors said.
District Attorney George Gascon condemned Tong’s alleged actions.
“San Franciscans expect the men and woman in uniform to uphold the laws and protect our residents,” Gascon said in a statement. “Mr. Tong’s conduct is deplorable and will be met with serious consequences.”
Fahey said Tong will be suspended pending an investigation into the case and will be placed on unpaid leave.
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