Canton Police Officer Arrested

CANTON (WWJ) - A Canton police lieutenant with the swat team has been arrested on criminal charges.

Jerry Hardesty, 55, was arraigned Tuesday on several charges stemming from a Michigan State Police investigation.

Canton Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler said Hardesty has been on administrative leave since last month and will remain on leave pending completion of an internal investigation.

"The Canton Police Department holds its employees accountable to the high professional standards set by the organization and remains committed to providing excellent law enforcement services to the community in which we serve," Mutchler said, in a statement.

It's alleged that he illegally took a rifle from the department inventory and committed a crime.

Police have been intentionally light on the details of this case like how long Hardesty may have had the weapon and what he may have done with it.

"These are just charges that are against him right now, so we don't want to start talking about things until the prosecutor does it and he's got his chance," said Lt. Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police.

Hardesty is charged with felony firearm and receiving and concealing stolen property remains on administrative leave pending a pre-trail on the charges next month.

Hardesty is a 24-year veteran of the department.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.