NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio — A North Royalton police officer who is a former Browns player has been indicted on multiple charges, city officials confirmed Friday.
Officer Steven Zahursky was relieved of his duties and placed on administrative desk duty following the indictment, North Royalton Law Director Tom Kelly confirmed.
Zahursky has been charged with perjury, tampering with evidence and falsification, according to court documents. City officials have not stated what the charges are pertaining to.
In 2013, Zahursky was awarded by the department for being the top cop for OVI citations. He is also a former offensive lineman for the Browns, having played for Cleveland in 1999 and 2000. Prior to coming to Cleveland, Zahursky played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Officials released the following statement:
The City of North Royalton takes police misconduct allegations seriously and is very disappointed that one of its police officers has been criminally charged.
There is a specific process that should be and must be followed, according to the letter of the law. The City of North Royalton has been engaged in this process since it was first brought to our attention and will continue to fully cooperate with all involved parties.
In our ongoing effort to protect the public and in conformity with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Officer Zahursky was placed on administrative desk duty during the pending criminal investigation. With the filing of the indictment, the City promptly removed Officer Zahursky from duty pursuant to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
While we recognize the seriousness of the offenses, Officer Zahursky, like all citizens, is entitled to the presumption of innocence during the pendency of the criminal proceedings.
Zahursky is scheduled to appear in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court on March 22 for an arraignment.
