Police Chief Blows Funds From DEA Gambling at Casino: Faces Charges

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania — (Associated Press) - A police chief who resigned after nearly 40 years as an officer in a southwestern Pennsylvania township faces an October non-jury trial on charges he blew $10,000 from a federal Drug Enforcement Administration fund at a casino.

Former Cecil Township chief John Pushak waived his right to be tried by a jury at a pretrial conference Thursday in Washington County, where he's now scheduled to stand trial starting Oct. 1.

Pushak resigned in 2013 and was charged months later with using the money to gamble at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and others.

By the time he resigned, Pushak had repaid the money which was only supposed to be used for drug investigations and police equipment.

Prosecutors and Pushak's attorney have been trying to work out a plea deal.