A New Jersey police sergeant has been accused of stealing $10,000 worth of cameras and equipment from a photojournalist injured during protests outside a Newark immigration jail. Darryl Brown, a sergeant from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, was found with the missing items after the photojournalist traced them to his home using a geo-tracking device, according to the state’s attorney general.

The journalist, Angelina Katsanis, worked on assignment for The Associated Press at Delaney Hall when she was injured. A wood beam struck her knee during a clash between police and demonstrators. As she moved to a medical tent, she left her gear bag behind, which had her name and contact details. Upon returning in a wheelchair, she discovered the bag missing.

I checked my Airtag and the bag was already on a highway pretty far away at that point.

Katsanis suspected police involvement since they were the only ones with access to the area. After seeking hospital treatment, the Airtag indicated a location in Sparta, New Jersey, linked to Brown’s residence. The device was later discarded miles away from the initial location.

A review of Brown’s body camera footage showed him interacting with the bag at the protests. When authorities executed a search warrant at his home, they recovered several items bearing Katsanis’ name and phone number.

Brown’s attorney information was unavailable, and a message left at his listed phone number was not returned. Charged with third-degree theft, he has been suspended without pay by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Katsanis, experienced in covering hostile environments, expressed her distress over the incident.

I’ve thought a lot about how the officers are supposed to be there to uphold the law and protect us and protect property — and this is the exact opposite of that.

Delaney Hall has become a focal point for protests against immigration policies, marked by frequent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Tensions have heightened recently as detainees reportedly launched a hunger strike protesting conditions at the facility. The federal government has refuted claims of poor conditions and accused demonstrators of escalating tensions.

Katsanis reported swelling and bruising on her leg but confirmed no bones were broken.