1Hootman charged in drug case linked to local dealer after grand jury presentment

GREENSBURG, PA – A former police chief in Westmoreland County and another Ligonier man are facing serious criminal charges stemming from a long-running drug investigation that revealed a personal connection and alleged illegal exchanges between the two men, authorities announced Thursday.

John Berger, former Chief of Police in Ligonier Valley, and Michael Hootman were both charged following a grand jury presentment detailing their alleged roles in a narcotics operation that involved the trafficking of marijuana, cocaine, pharmaceuticals, and other controlled substances.

According to Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli, witnesses told the grand jury that Hootman was a known source fo

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