PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Despite media reports, Pittsburgh Police officials say Chief Nate Harper is not on a leave of absence.

The fact that he hasn’t been in the office this week, and is being investigated by a federal grand jury, has been fueling speculation.

Pittsburgh’s police chief is not in indefinite leave. He took a week off following his mother’s funeral.

However, the chief is deeply concerned about his future telling sources he has even considered retirement. Still, Harper says he will be back at work Monday.

Harper also telling friends and co-workers he knows he may face criminal indictment, and proclaims his innocence regardless.

Harper is telling family members and co-workers he never took any cash payments from longtime friend and associate, Art Bedway.

Sources confirm Bedway and his wife testified before a federal grand jury earlier this week. Kristine Bedway, described as a critical witness, alleges she witnessed cash transactions.

Sources confirm Bedway and his wife both testified before the grand jury earlier this week in hopes of getting Bedway a better deal from prosecutors.

Bedway is under indictment on bribery, conspiracy and fraud charges. Bedway is founder of one of the region’s largest security firms, Victory Security of Carnegie.

Sources close to Harper tell KDKA’s Marty Griffin that the chief is preparing for the possibility of criminal indictment and preparing to defend himself in court if need be.

Harper is telling the mayor, the FBI and friends and family he did nothing wrong.

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