Ex-Greensburg police chief facing federal drug charges

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Ex-Greensburg police Chief Shawn Denning is facing federal drug charges, according to court documents.

According to Target 11 sources, Denning was escorted out of Greensburg City Hall Tuesday morning by Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

Mayor Robb Bell told Channel 11 news partner the Tribune-Review that Denning “resigned immediately” as he was arrested.

He was taken into custody, but was later released on $250,000 bond.

According to the federal indictment, Denning, 41, is facing six drug counts involving meth and cocaine, including aiding and abetting the distribution of the drugs, aiding and abetting the attempted distribution of the drugs, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute.

The complaint alleges that Denning “facilitated the acquisition” of cocaine and methamphetamine by a confidential source multiple times from June 2021 to October 2022. The drug deals were part of a sting operation by the DEA, the Trib reports. The drugs were from California and Arizona, then delivered the source through the U.S. mail, according to the complaint.

The case is being investigated by the DEA and FBI.

Denning is a 14-year veteran of the police force and was promoted to chief in March 2022.

Bell issued the following statement to Channel 11:

“We believe it is important that the community know that Mr. Denning is no longer with the City of Greensburg. Captain Sarsfield will be acting chief under further notice. We are conducting a thorough review and assisting the appropriate agencies as we can. There will be no further comment at this time.”

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