A former Reynoldsburg Police Lieutenant could spend as much as 10-years in prison for falsifying search warrants and stealing thousands in cash.
Shane Mauger, 41, of Columbus agreed to plead guilty of depriving citizens of civil rights and stealing from federal programs.
10TV has learned that Mauger is accused of planting evidence in order to obtain search warrants involving drug dealers. Once inside the homes, it's alleged that he pocketed the money.
According to the U.S. attorney's office, this scheme lasted 10 years and netted in excess of $150,000 in cash.
Our partners at ThisWeek News report Maguer was recognized as a distinguished officer for his work on the narcotics unit just last year.
“It's crucial that when there is a corrupt police officer we find that person, we catch him and we make sure that the police officer is punished for the criminal conduct and that never becomes a police officer again corrupt police officer again,” Benjamin Glassman, Acting US Attorney Southern District of Ohio, said.
Officials said Mauger didn't act alone. Mauger's partner, Officer Ty Downard was arrested in February.
The U.S. Attorney’s office said Downard allegedly made more than 20 deliveries of narcotics between October 2015 and February 2016, including heroin, cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills.
Downard later committed suicide while awaiting trial.
Felony drug charges were later dismissed against 15 people after the Franklin County prosecutor's office determined that their cases were tainted by the Downard.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says there are six pending non drug cases that involved Mauger that he believes won't be impaired.
There are three drug cases that he says involve this officer that he will not submit. Ten past cases have resulted in convictions, and it's unclear if those defendants will change their pleas.