ESPN NFL

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- An Eden Prairie police officer is suspected of trying to steal the identities of five members of the Minnesota Vikings, according to a search warrant filed Wednesday in Hennepin County district court.

The officer, who had worked as a part-time security guard for the team for the past 10 years, allegedly used information about Michael Bennett to get a credit card in the name of the running back.

Charges weren't expected to be filed for several weeks. The Hennepin County sheriff's office was investigating.

The case began Aug. 4 when Bennett contacted the team's security representative about receiving credit card statements of which he had no knowledge. He said he received bills totaling $117.80 from four convenience stores.

Bennett called the credit card companies and determined that the person applying for the cards had provided his correct Social Security number but the incorrect maiden name of his mother.

Dag Sohlberg, an NFL security representative assigned to the Vikings, began a four-day investigation that eventually led to the police officer.

Players and other people identified the suspect from surveillance video taken when he used one of Bennett's credit cards.

According to the search warrant, Eden Prairie officers searched the officer's work locker and found personal information about several players, including tax documents belonging to quarterback Daunte Culpepper and a credit card application in the name of Lance Johnstone, a defensive end.

Bennett said he was unclear of specifics.

"The only thing I can say is it's under investigation, and we'll let the police handle it. But it makes you realize you have to be more aware of who is around you," he said.

Team executive vice president Mike Kelly said, "Obviously all of us are surprised and unhappy about it."

"When I received the allegations, it was very disturbing and it saddened me greatly that this sort of situation could arise," said Eden Prairie Police Chief Dan Carlson.

He said the officer, an eight-year veteran, was put on paid administrative leave.

Security people are hired by the Vikings on a per-job basis and are not considered employees of the team. The organization has a list of dozens of people who are called as needed. Most of them are police officers. Generally, guards' duties include escorting people during games and road trips.

Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press