GREENSBURG, Pa. —

A former Westmoreland County police chief was arrested Friday morning on several drug charges and bribery. Former Ligonier Valley police Chief John Berger and Ligonier resident Michael Hootman were arraigned after turning themselves in to state police.

After an investigation by a grand jury, the belief is that Berger and Hootman had a mutually beneficial relationship. Advertisement

“Unfortunately, we had to arrest the former chief of police in Ligonier, John Berger,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said. “Mr. Hootman and Mr. Berger were given the opportunity to come to the barracks this morning as opposed to us apprehending them.”

The investigation began while looking into Hootman’s alleged sales of drugs in Ligonier.

“Mr. Hootman was a known drug dea

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