Federal officials charge western Pa. police chief

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federal prosecutors say the police chief of a western Pennsylvania town allegedly took money from people he thought were drug dealers, bought stun guns for them, and threatened a politician and an ex-girlfriend.

The FBI arrested 55-year-old Donald A. Solomon on Friday, and authorities released details of charges this afternoon. Solomon is police chief of East Washington Borough, about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.

Prosecutors allege that starting in late August Solomon took payments from a man who was posing as a drug dealer.

Solomon faces three charges of violating the Hobbs Act by using his public position to extort money. He pleaded not guilty today and is in jail without bail.