Former Lake Oswego Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Criminal Charge Related to Official Misconduct

 Posted Mon, 04/08/2024 - 3:33pm

LAKE OSWEGO – On March 19, 2024, the Lake Oswego Police Department was informed that the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office has charged former Lake Oswego Police Department Officer Michael Svoboda with Official Misconduct in the Second Degree (ORS 162.405) based on incidents that are reported to have occurred while he was on duty. Svoboda ultimately entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 12 months of Bench Probation, 40 hours of community service work, and revocation of his police certification.

ORS 162.405 – Official Misconduct in the second-degree states:

A public servant commits the crime of official misconduct in the second degree if the person knowingly violates any statute relating to the office of the person. Official misconduct in the second degree is a Class C misdemeanor.

We can confirm that Officer Svoboda was hired by the Lake Oswego Police Department on July 20, 2015. As soon as the Police Department learned of allegations of misconduct, we turned the matter over to the Oregon City Police Department for an independent criminal investigation.  During the course of the investigation, Officer Svoboda was placed on paid administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.  Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, Svoboda resigned from his position with the Lake Oswego Police Department.  Lake Oswego Police Chief George Burke said: “I would like to thank the complainant for having the strength to come forward with these allegations.  In many cases, victims may be reluctant to make criminal allegations against an officer for fear of retaliation. I am pleased to demonstrate how the systems of accountability function within the City of Lake Oswego. I would also like to thank the leadership at the Oregon City Police Department and the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office for dedicating scarce resources to assist in investigating and prosecuting this matter.”

If any other member of the public has any related information about the official misconduct of Mr. Svoboda while engaged in his duties with the Lake Oswego Police Department, please contact our office at 503-635-0247.

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