Mark J. Lunsford, a Sykesville, Maryland police detective has been sentenced to 20 months in prison and three years probation, after he was found guilty of stealing Baltimore City Police Department funds, submitting a false claim to DEA for an informant award and stealing a diamond watch that came into his custody as a DEA Task Force officer.

According to Lunsford’s plea agreement, he admitted that in 2008, he provided false information to other law enforcement personnel, embezzling the funds on various occasions.

According to court records, he also admitted to stealing a diamonded watch logged into evidence. The watch was a rose-colored, stainless steel "AQUA MASTER" diamond watch, valued at approximately $18,000.

Lunsford also admitted to stealing other items, including a stainless steel "FREEZE" diamond watch valued at $3,750 and a Breitling watch.

“Officer Lunsford committed an egregious breach of trust, but it should be noted that thousands of honorable police officers who work to promote public safety and confidence share our dismay when a law enforcement officer violates that trust,” said US Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.