A former Rocky River police officer has been accused of utilizing law enforcement databases for personal investigations, breaching privacy rights over a decade. According to a statement obtained by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, Michael Bernhardt, 54, was recently indicted by a grand jury on multiple counts for illegally searching Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG) and Law Enforcement Automated Database System (LEADS) more than 70 times between 2013 and 2023.
"Michael Bernhardt's blatant and egregious pattern of disregarding citizens—including minors'— privacy rights is outrageous, especially for a police officer. This case raises all kinds of red flags," Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley stated, as shared by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's office. The Rocky River Police Department acted quickly to begin an independent investigation, notably triggered by alleged inappropriate relationships and contact with high school students, which Bernhardt had with the city's high school.
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's website details that the Rocky River Police Department contacted the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in October 2023 to investigate these allegations. This investigation revealed proof of Bernhardt's unwarranted searches, including those of students, their families, and other public employees. Bernhardt had resigned from his position almost a year prior, in April 2024.
Following the investigation, the Prosecutor's Office shared the specifics of the indictment against Bernhardt, which include 11 counts of Unauthorized Use of the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway, one count of Unauthorized Use of the Law Enforcement Automated Database System, and one count of Possessing Criminal Tools. His arraignment at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center will occur later, as yet unannounced. The authorities encourage anyone with further information related to Michael Bernhardt to contact BCI at their hotline, 855.BCI.OHIO.
