PITTSBURGH—A resident of Cheswick, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, the United States Attorney’s Office announced today.

Richard Allan Toney, 58, of Ridge Road, Cheswick, Pennsylvania, 15204, pleaded guilty to one count before United States Senior District Judge Donetta Ambrose. At the conclusion of the proceeding Judge Ambrose sentenced Mr. Toney to three years of probation.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around April 2009, and continuing thereafter to in and around September 2012, Richard Allan Toney conspired with others to hinder the prosecution or punishment of others relating to conduct surrounding a 2009 primary election for public office. Also, the court was advised that during the charged conspiracy, on or about Sept. 19, 2012, and Sept. 21, 2012, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Richard Allan Toney attempted to influence and prevent the truthful testimony of a witness before a federal grand jury. According to the government, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a federal grand jury had been investigating the 2009 election campaign for the position of Supervisor of Harmar Township, Pennsylvania. During the FBI’s investigation, individuals were interviewed and subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury in September of 2012. Toney, who at the time was employed as a Police Captain with the Harmar Township Police Department, twice attempted to prevent the truthful testimony of a grand jury witness.

The law provided for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the information in this case.