Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Former Mt. Carmel Borough Police Officer David Donkochik has pleaded guilty to conspiring to use excessive force during arrests, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The plea was entered before U.S. Chief District Judge Matthew W. Brann.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Donkochik, along with former officers Jonathan McHugh and Kyle Schauer, was indicted on June 15, 2023. The charges included conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law. From 2018 to 2021, the three were involved in using excessive force during 22 different arrests, resulting in bodily injuries to those arrested.
The officers reportedly attempted to prevent police cameras from capturing video evidence of their actions or ensured incriminating footage was not preserved. They also falsely reported that arrestees acted violently and charged them with aggravated assault and related offenses.
Kyle Schauer previously pleaded guilty on October 24, 2024, to similar charges of conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Carlo D. Marchioli are handling the prosecution.
The offense carries a maximum penalty under federal law of up to 10 years imprisonment, supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by the Judge after considering federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
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