Former Cecil Twp. Chief Accused Of Using Police Funds To Gamble

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The former Police Chief of Cecil Township, John Pushak, was arraigned today on theft charges at District Magistrate Jay Dutton's office, in Cecil.

Pushak, 64, is facing theft-related charges involving as much as $10,000 that was withdrawn from an account set up by the Drug Enforcement Administration and was supposed to be used to advance drug investigations and buy police equipment in Cecil.

State Police say Pushak gambled at least some of the money at The Meadows Casino in North Strabane.

The money was later re-deposited in the police account.

Cecil Township resident Ed Badia told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "If I robbed a bank, and paid the money back, I'd still be going to jail, still be charged with bank robbery."

Badia said Pushak was supposed to uphold the law, "he should have known better."

After appearing today before a District Magistrate, Pushak, who joined the police department in a Cecil in 1974, was released without bond or bail.

He has a hearing set for May 1.

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