The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has disclosed that Jonathan McHugh, a former officer of the Mt. Carmel Borough Police Department, admitted to conspiring to use excessive force during arrests. McHugh, aged 36, entered his guilty plea in front of Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus reported that McHugh was charged alongside former Lt. David Donkochik, aged 53, and former Officer Kyle Schauer, aged 36. The charges stemmed from actions taken from 2018 to 2021, during which the men allegedly conspired to infringe on civil rights by using excessive force. It is claimed that during 22 arrests, they kicked, punched, choked, or otherwise harmed the individuals they detained, resulting in bodily injuries.
Allegations against McHugh, Donkochik, and Schauer include manipulating police camera footage to avoid recording incriminating evidence or preserving such footage. The three are also accused of filing false reports, alleging that the arrestees behaved violently, and then charging them with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and related offenses as a cover for their actions.
The prior guilty pleas of Schauer and Donkochik have been noted, with Schauer pleading guilty on October 24, 2024, and Donkochik following on March 12, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Carlo D. Marchioli handling the prosecution.
Under federal law, the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a supervised release period, and fines. Sentencing will occur post-conviction, guided by federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.