Former Ligonier Valley Police Chief John Berger is heading toward trial after pleading not guilty Friday to a slate of felony drug-related charges that grew out of a 2023 police department raid and a grand jury presentment late last year, according to prosecutors.
Grand jury links ex-chief to alleged local dealer
Evidence laid out to a Westmoreland County grand jury in December included text messages and surveillance that prosecutors say tied Berger to Ligonier resident Michael Hootman. According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, searches of Hootman’s home and Berger’s department vehicle turned up cocaine, marijuana, testosterone, and prescription pills. Investigators also reported finding discarded prescriptions believed to have been taken from a drug take-back box inside Berger’s cruiser.
Plea hearing and overlapping criminal cases
Berger entered his not guilty plea at a hearing this week, according to local video coverage. CBS News Pittsburgh reports the move follows the grand jury presentment and a 2023 Pennsylvania State Police investigation. Coverage also notes Berger was fired after the 2023 raid and is separately facing sexual assault charges that already have a trial date; WPXI reports that the case is scheduled for April.
State police call case an embarrassment
Pennsylvania State Police investigators have framed the arrests as a serious hit to public trust in local law enforcement. WTAE quoted Trooper Steve Limani describing the situation as "awful" and "embarrassing," and reported that both Berger and Hootman turned themselves in before being booked. According to that report, bail was set at $100,000 for Berger and $75,000 for Hootman at their arraignment.
Charges, allegations and legal posture
In its public release, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Berger faces felony counts that include bribery, theft, obstruction of administration of law, criminal use of a communication facility, and several drug-related offenses. Hootman is charged with bribery and drug-trafficking offenses. Prosecutors emphasize that these remain allegations and that Berger is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
What happens next
Prosecutors say the drug case will now move through pretrial scheduling toward a possible jury trial. Local court dockets will have to balance those drug counts alongside Berger’s separate sexual assault case. Upcoming filings and scheduling orders are expected to lay out the next key hearing dates and any eventual trial timeline.
