Cincinnati police captain faces federal bribery, theft charges

A high-ranking Cincinnati Police Department officer has been arrested on federal charges.Capt. Michael Savard, 52, of Anderson Township, was arrested Thursday on bribery and theft charges.According to federal investigators, Savard is accused of “shaking down" a sergeant in the department for a promotion before retirement."In a nutshell, the basic allegation is that Savard tried to shake down a sergeant for cash in exchange for guaranteeing that sergeant's promotion to lieutenant through the timing of Savard's retirement," U.S. Attorney Ben Glassman said at a press conference Friday. "We just can't look the other way."Savard allegedly asked for and received $5,000 from a sergeant within the Police Department. In exchange, Savard allegedly promised to retire from the Cincinnati Police Department so that the sergeant could be promoted to the rank of lieutenant, according to an affidavit.The sergeant was next in line on a promotion eligibility list that was due to expire in June.Unless promoted prior to the expiration of the promotion eligibility list, the sergeant would have to retake a civil service promotional exam and might then lose his currently held top position on the promotion list, officials said.At the time of the alleged shakedown, authorities said Savard was already under investigation by the IRS for potential criminal offenses related to financial benefits received as a result of his employment with the Cincinnati Police Department."This is a very tough day for CPD. When a member of our department, especially a high-ranking member, defies the public trust and is accused of this type of behavior, it affects an entire organization," said Chief Eliot Isaac.It's alleged that Savard told the sergeant he was going to work out a deal to plead guilty to federal charges and was thinking of retiring in July.He allegedly told the sergeant he would retire earlier – in June, prior to the sergeant's expiration on the promotion list – if the sergeant paid Savard $5,000.Savard accepted that cash Thursday and was immediately arrested by special agents with the IRS who had been working with the Police Department.Savard is a 25-year veteran of the Cincinnati police force. He has served as a captain overseeing the Special Services Section for approximately two years and was a lieutenant for 14 years.Theft and bribery are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.