Former Ligonier Valley Police Chief faces criminal drug charges

A former Westmoreland County police chief is now facing criminal charges.

John Berger, who was the Ligonier Valley Chief of Police between 2019 and 2023, is accused of illegally obtaining drugs for back pain, and using his unmarked police car to get them.

The accused provider, Michael Hootman of Ligonier, is also accused of selling illegal drugs including marijuana and cocaine.

Prosecutors say some of the drugs found at Hootman's home, were taken from a Drug Take Back Box that had been inside Berger's police vehicle.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images