FORMER LIGONIER VALLEY POLICE CHIEF HEADING TO TRIAL

The former Ligonier Valley Police Chief will head to trial on bribery and drug charges.  The Trib reports that former chief John Berger faces several counts connected with a grand jury investigation into incidents that go back to 2023.  During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors brought up 43-year-old Michael Hootman of Ligonier Township who Berger reportedly allowed to work as a drug dealer in exchange for free pain pills, a plaque and a cash award from the VFW post in Ligonier for first responders.  Berger is free on $100,000 bail.