The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that Jonathan McHugh, a former officer of the Mt. Carmel Borough Police Department, pleaded guilty to conspiring to use excessive force during arrests. The plea was made before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus noted that McHugh, along with former Lt. David Donkochik and former Officer Kyle Schauer, was indicted on June 15, 2023. The indictment included charges of conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law. The allegations involve violations of civil rights of individuals arrested from 2018 to 2021.
It was reported that during 22 arrests, the defendants employed excessive force, such as kicking, punching, and choking, resulting in bodily injuries to the individuals arrested. They allegedly made efforts to avoid video documentation of their actions or ensured incriminating footage was not preserved. Furthermore, they allegedly falsified reports that claimed arrestees acted violently to justify charges like aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
Kyle Schauer entered his guilty plea on October 24, 2024, and David Donkochik followed with a guilty plea on March 12, 2025.
The investigation into these actions was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Carlo D. Marchioli.
Under federal law, the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a supervised release period following imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined after considering applicable federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
