PITTSBURGH—A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating the Hobbs Act, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Donald Abraham Solomon, 56, of 145 Lemoyne Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania, 15301, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Solomon was the Chief of Police of East Washington Borough, Pennsylvania. He received payments from a purported drug dealer, who was an undercover FBI agent, to protect drug shipments and to purchase law enforcement restricted police equipment.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2013, at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mr. Solomon on bond.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Lee J. Karl are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Donald Abraham Solomon.