Federal prosecutors get 6th extension for possible indictment of former Greensburg police chief

A sixth extension to file a potential indictment has been granted by a federal judge in the case against Shawn Denning, the former Greensburg police chief.

Prosecutors said in a court filing that they continue to have discussions with Denning’s attorney in seeking an additional 60 days, pushing the deadline back to Feb. 20.

Denning, 42, of Delmont, was charged by criminal complaint by the Drug Enforcement Administration on Jan. 17 with conspiracy, two counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine and three counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine in Pittsburgh federal court. He was arrested at Greensburg city hall and resigned from the police force.

Denning is accused of connecting a confidential source with out-of-state drug suppliers between June 2021 and October 2022, according to the complaint. Attonrey Steven Townsend said the investigation is ongoing and more information might be released in the next couple months.

He also is awaiting resolution of a case filed by Westmoreland County detectives that was filed after an audit of the Greensburg police department evidence room following his resignation. He is accused of taking from the room a backpack containing suspected steroids and psyilocybin mushrooms that was have to been destroyed. He is free on unsecured bond in both cases.

Related:

• Community in shock as Greensburg police chief's apparent double life is exposed

• Ex-Greensburg police chief accused of taking backpack of drugs from evidence room

• Ex-Greensburg police chief resigned upon arrest on federal drug charges