A veteran Honolulu police officer accused of shoplifting at Wal-Mart in Pearl City will stand trial for fourth-degree theft in February.

The lawyer for John F. Rapozo entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday for his client, who was not in court. The judge set trial for Feb. 22 in Ewa District Court.

Rapozo, 56, a 25-year police veteran, was arrested Sept. 10.

He was a member of HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Division but has been reassigned to duties that do not require full police powers. The department required him to turn in his badge and firearm pending the outcome of his criminal case.

Fourth-degree theft is a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $1,000 fine. According to state law, if the theft involved shoplifting, the minimum fine shall be twice the value of the merchandise or services involved.