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Cleveland cop, pregnant wife under scrutiny for fundraiser breast cancer claims

Sources tell WKYC that the investigation focuses on claims that the wife has cancer and whether she was pregnant.

A Cleveland police officer is the target of an internal investigation after a fundraiser was held for his wife, who said she was pregnant and terminally ill with breast cancer, WKYC has learned.

The investigation comes after a Jan. 14 "Blood Drive" fundraiser held at the Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association hall.

The officer is on extended leave "due to a duty-related injury," a police spokesperson said.

An associated online fundraiser, created by a longtime friend of the officer's wife, said in the post the couple was facing "mounting ...medical bills and funeral expenses."

The post also said the officer's wife, 44, was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer and was not expected to live through delivery of their daughter.

The wife, according to the post's author, is a "four-time cancer warrior" who has battled different cancers since she was 16.

"She's now a forever fighter," the friend wrote. "She lives in constant unrelenting pain every day."

The post's author said the cancer had spread to other organs.

"[The officer and wife] were further told that no matter what, [the wife] will not survive the birth and possibly not even their baby girl," the friend wrote.

The birth was scheduled for Jan. 22, but was being moved forward because of the wife's failing health, the friend wrote. It is unclear if the birth has occurred. The post has since been removed.

At one point, however, 16 people had donated $725 toward a $5,000 goal.

Cleveland police have not commented on the internal investigation. Sources, however, tell WKYC that the investigation focuses on claims that the wife has cancer and whether she was pregnant.

"This is an open investigation within the Integrity Control Section," said police spokesperson Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia. She said no documents relating to the investigation are available.

The officer could not be reached for comment.

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