Updated

A San Francisco police officer was charged with theft of public money after officials said he spent his days at home when he should have been walking a beat.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports undercover officers watched 52-year-old Ronald Gehrke go home repeatedly over a period of months while he was on duty.

An investigation was launched after a neighbor wrote to police brass wondering why Gehrke's department cruiser was often parked in the driveway of his house near Lake Merced.

The 19-year department veteran faces 10 misdemeanor counts. He has been suspended without pay. If Gehrke's found guilty, he could face a year in jail and will likely be fired.

The officer is due back in court Oct. 24, when a judge will schedule a trial.