New Milford cop put on leave after his arrest in Danbury

A twice-honored New Milford police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave after New Milford Police Department officials learned of his arrest last Friday by Danbury police.

Brant Cadovius, 39, was charged with fourth-degree criminal attempt to commit larceny and second-degree harassment.

Officer Cadovius turned himself in to Danbury police Friday after a warrant was issued for his arrest Wednesday by the state Superior Court.

He was released on a written promise to appear in court July 19.

The charges stem from a complaint by a juvenile who allegedly took Officer Cadovius' wallet in August 2009, Danbury police said.

The youth indicated "the owner of the wallet was threatening him and attempting to extort money from him," Danbury Police Detective Sgt. Mark Williams said in a news release.

Officer Cadovius was placed on administrative leave Friday morning after New Milford Police Chief Colin McCormack learned of the arrest.

"Members of the New Milford Police Department are expected to embrace the very highest values and standards for persons serving in the law enforcement profession," Chief McCormack said in a news release.

He said the department will follow the case against Officer Cadovius and will conduct an administrative inquiry into the matter.

On the advice of his attorney, Officer Cadovius declined to comment.

A Sherman resident, Officer Cadovius is a nine-year member of the New Milford Police Department. He was honored for meritorious service in 2007 and was awarded a Medal of Bravery in 2004 for subduing a woman holding a butcher's knife.

The alleged theft of Officer Cadovius' wallet took place in August 2009, while he was off duty and at the Danbury Fair mall, according to Danbury police.

Officer Cadovius initially reported the missing wallet to Danbury police Aug. 8, 2009, saying it was lost, along with his badge.

It was later determined it had actually been taken by someone else, and the person responsible for the larceny was identified, police said.

The person who took the wallet cooperated with Danbury police and returned the property to Officer Cadovius, police said. Within days, the Danbury Police Department received the juvenile's complaint against Officer Cadovius, Detective Sgt. Williams said.

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