Attorney General Dave Sunday and Pennsylvania State Police announced charges against a trooper who allegedly attempted to persuade a witness from cooperating in a police investigation.

Christopher S. Young, 34, of Auburn, was charged Tuesday with felony intimidation of a witness and misdemeanor counts of stalking and loitering or prowling at night. He was arraigned and denied bail because a district judge deemed him a danger to himself and others.

Young is suspended without pay, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

According to an investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police, Young, in recent weeks, repeatedly called and text messaged a potential witness in a child abuse investigation. Late in the night of Feb. 24, Young was armed with a gun and knife in a wooded area behind the witness’ house in Schuylkill County.

“These charges outline disturbing and deliberate attempts to influence witness cooperation in a very serious police matter,” Attorney General Sunday said. “As a sworn officer with an oath to protect the community, the defendant’s alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”

The child abuse investigation is ongoing.

According to state police, Young enlisted in 2017 and was assigned to the Patrol Unit in Troop L, Hamburg.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.