Richfield police

A Richfield police officer is accused of stealing more than $26,000 from the department's Shop With a Cop charity program.

(File photo)

RICHFIELD, Ohio -- A 17-year veteran Richfield police officer is accused of stealing more than $26,000 from a charity program that aimed at buying Christmas presents for disadvantaged kids.

Michael Simmons, 41, of Stow, faces a third-degree felony charge. A warrant was issued Monday for his arrest.

Simmons coordinated the department's Shop With A Cop charity program for several years. The program is sponsored by the Richfield FOP Lodge No. 66. It uses proceeds from fundraisers to give those in need money to shop during the holidays.

Simmons began stealing from the program's bank account as far back as 2010, according to the Ohio Attorney General's Office. He's accused of taking $26,709.

Simmons spent the money on personal expenses including, tickets to sporting events, electronics, tools and clothing, the attorney general's office said.

The state's Bureau of Criminal Investigation began investigating Simmons in January at the request of the police department.

The 17-year veteran of the department was placed on paid leave after the investigation began. He is now on unpaid leave.

Shop With A Cop has helped hundreds of families over the years, officials said at the time the investigation was launched.

"The 'Shop with a Cop' program helps kids bond with and trust police, but this defendant violated that trust on so many different levels," Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a statement. "Our investigation found that, for years, this officer not only deceived those who generously donated to this charity, but he also stole from the children whom this program was created to help."

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit today's crime and courts comments section.