Police officer suspended amid investigation

Reynoldsburg officers accused of theft.

Federal investigators continue to probe the problematic behavior of two former Reynoldsburg police detectives and new information could connect a third officer to the criminal case.

Shane Mauger, 42, and Tye Downard, 43, are accused of falsifying search warrants and skimming up to $250,000 in seized cash and property over nearly a decade.

Mauger resigned and pleaded guilty in May to charges of federal programs theft and conspiracy to deprive persons of their civil rights. He’ll be sentenced this year. Downard was arrested in February for allegedly dealing drugs. He hanged himself with a bedsheet and died in his jail cell.

A third officer, Jamie Burr, 41, an eight-year employee, was suspended with pay last week after “new information” surfaced during investigations, Reynoldsburg Police Chief Jim O’Neill said.

Burr was placed on leave earlier this year, after Downard’s arrest, but was cleared and returned to active duty. His name wasn’t released until now.

“We’re comparing statements made within our internal investigations and some statements made to federal investigators to determine if there were any inconsistencies,” O’Neill said. He couldn’t provide further details, he said.

Burr will remain on paid leave until both investigations are complete.

The Reynoldsburg Police Department has recognized both Burr and Mauger in the past for outstanding service. Burr’s annual salary is about $85,000.

The department’s internal investigation is ongoing and cannot be completed until Mauger is sentenced, the criminal case closes and the federal investigators release their findings, O’Neill said.