Bodyguard of Gov Christie accused of shoplifting

 These gun grips listed at $24.99 are among the items William Carvounis is accused of stealing from a Pennsylvania sporting goods store.

These gun grips listed at $24.99 are among the items William Carvounis is accused of stealing from a Pennsylvania sporting goods store.

An eastern Pennsylvania police chief says a New Jersey state trooper asked one of his officers not to arrest him on shoplifting charges last month by mentioning he worked on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s security detail.

An attorney for 35-year-old William Carvounis, of North Brunswick, N.J., confirms the trooper has worked on Christie’s security detail but denies he asked for special treatment. He also denies that Carvounis shoplifted items from outdoor retailer Cabela’s in Tilden Township, Pa. on Jan. 8.

But Tilden police Chief William McEllroy tells The Associated Press, “That is absolutely what occurred.”

Police say the trooper asked repeatedly for a break on charges involving merchandise worth about $268, saying he didn’t want to lose his job.

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New Jersey.Watchdog.org first reported the arrest. In its report it included a link to the Tilden Twp. Police complaint against Carvounis.

According to the complaint, Carvounis was observed by surveillance camera tearing the packages off items and hiding them in his cargo pants. One exception is the officer allegedly tore the price tag off a Cabela’s hat and put it on his head. He then went to the check out lane and paid for some merchandise.

Police say he tried to steal the following items:

(2) Blackhawk heavy duty push button swing swivels

MS3 single QD sling

Kimber .22 pistol magazine

Extreme Density Chokes, 20ga

Orange/Tan lanyards heavy hauler

Archangel 1911 crip panels (Alum)

Extreme Hoge handgun grips G10

Tri mag coupler

Total value $267.38

According to DataUniverse, an onlilne searchable website of New Jersey state employee salaries, William Carvounis is paid $95,198 a year.

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