CINCINNATI, Ohio – A Cincinnati Police Department captain has been arrested on federal charges of theft and bribery, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Benjamin Glassman.

Michael Savard, 52, was in court Friday, one day after being arrested when a CPD sergeant handed him $5,000 in marked bills.

According to court documents, Savard approached the unnamed sergeant in mid-May and professed he was considering a guilty plea on federal charges and seeking a July retirement. He told the sergeant he would retire in June if the sergeant gave him $5,000 cash. The sergeant's promotion list expires at the end of June.

Authorities said Savard has been under federal investigation for months by the IRS related to potential crimes that he received financial benefit through his employment with the police department.

Glassman said there are no charges to announce related to that investigation.

The sergeant spoke to federal and CPD investigators about the bribery, which led to Thursday's arrest.

If convicted, Savard could face up to ten years in prison.

Savard is a 25-year CPD veteran and was promoted to captain in April 2017. He most recently oversaw the Special Services Section. Glassman would not say when the initial federal investigation of Savard started and neither he nor CPD Chief Eliot Issac would confirm that when Savard was stripped of his police powers in January if that was when the investigation started.

Investigators said they do not know if Savard was planning to retire this month, or next. Issac said Savard has not filed any retirement paperwork with the department.

Issac said Savard will have an administrative hearing next week to determine his status with the department. According to city employment records, Savard's most recent salary was approximately $113,000 per year. He's been on desk duty since losing his policing powers in January.