Anthony officer accused of stealing from American Legion re-arrested on similar charge
A police officer accused of stealing money from the American Legion he led is now accused of stealing from the officers association of which he was also president.
Texas Ranges re-arrested Anthony (Texas) Police Officer Michael Saavedra on Wednesday evening. He is charged with misapplication of fiduciary property of financial institution. Saavedra, 36, allegedly misappropriated funds while serving as the president of the Anthony Police Department Officers Association.
Last month, Saavedra was accused of stealing money from the American Legion of which he was president. Texas Rangers arrested Saavedra on Aug 15, a spokesman with the Texas Department of Public Safety said. Saavedra was charged with misapplication of fiduciary property of financial institution, a third-degree felony.
An amount of the alleged stolen money was not given, but according to Texas Penal Code, a third-degree felony means the amount can range from $20,000 to $150,000.
According to jail records, Saavedra bonded out the same day he was first arrested. He posted a $50,000 bond.
Anthony Police Chief Carlos Enriquez told ABC-7 that Saavedra has been with the department for about six years, and his rank is corporal. Chief Enriquez said Saavedra was currently on leave without pay, adding that the incident happened while Saavedra was off duty.
A DPS spokesperson said the investigation into Saavedra is in no way related to the Anthony Police Department and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Department of Texas of the American Legion represents all Texas Posts and serves the needs of all veterans of U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
