A former Mount Carmel Borough police officer pleaded guilty last week to conspiring to use excessive force during arrests over a three-year period.

Jonathan McHugh, 36, entered the plea before Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew W. Brann, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

McHugh was indicted on June 15, 2023, along with former Lt. David Donkochik, 53, and former Officer Kyle Schauer, 36, on charges of conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law.

The three conspired to violate the civil rights of individuals they arrested from 2018 to 2021.

During 22 arrests, at least one of the officers kicked, punched, choked, or otherwise used excessive force, causing bodily injuries to suspects.

They also attempted to prevent police cameras from recording the incidents or ensured incriminating footage was not preserved.

Additionally, they falsely reported that suspects acted violently, justifying their own use of force.

They then charged those individuals with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and related offenses to cover up their actions.

Schauer pleaded guilty in October, and Donkochik pleaded guilty earlier this month to conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Carlo D. Marchioli are prosecuting.

Under federal law, the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, supervised release, and a fine.