VB officer gets 24 months in conspiracy

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A former Virginia Beach police officer was sentenced Monday to 24 months in prison for his part in a fraudulent marriage conspiracy and then lying to the FBI about it, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Andrey Savelyev, 41, admitted to knowing about a fraudulent marriage between a female Russian national and a man in the Navy in exchange for $6,000, according to court documents. When the Navy man wanted a divorce, Savelyev was contacted by a friend of the Russian woman.

Court documents show that, while on duty, Savelyev went to the enlisted man's home, showed his police badge, and threatened to arrest the man for assault if he did not hold up his end of the bargain.

Savelyev admitted to trying to obtain confidential information on the Navy man through the Virginia Beach Police Department's computer database. He also admitted to lying to the FBI in May and June of 2009 about his knowledge of the marriage conspiracy.

"Today, Andrey Savelyev was held accountable for abusing his authority as a police officer," said U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride. "We appreciate the support and cooperation of the Virginia Beach Police Department, which worked closely with us as we investigated this case."

This case was investigation by the FBI's Norfolk field office and the Virginia Beach Police Department.