Donald Abraham Solomon, Violated Hobbs Act, Pittsburgh PA, 2023

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The blue wall cracked in Western Pennsylvania this week as former East Washington Borough Police Chief Donald Abraham Solomon, 56, confessed to trading his badge for cold, hard cash. Solomon pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Hobbs Act in federal court, admitting he actively shielded drug trafficking operations in exchange for payments.

According to court documents, Solomon wasn’t just looking the other way. The ex-chief actively colluded with an undercover FBI agent posing as a drug dealer, promising protection for shipments of illicit goods. The arrangement wasn’t limited to simple cover; Solomon also used his position to illegally purchase restricted law enforcement equipment, the specifics of which remain sealed. This isn’t a case of a bad apple, it’s a rot that went all the way to the top of a small-town police force.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton’s office announced the guilty plea, detailing the scope of Solomon’s betrayal. The investigation, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, revealed a calculated scheme where Solomon allegedly exploited his authority for personal gain, turning the very office sworn to uphold the law into a criminal enterprise. The details suggest a brazen disregard for public trust and a willingness to compromise public safety for a paycheck.

Judge Joy Flowers Conti has scheduled Solomon’s sentencing for May 3, 2013, at 3:30 pm. He faces a potential sentence of up to 60 years imprisonment and a hefty fine of $750,000.00. However, the ultimate sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and Solomon’s prior criminal history, if any. Currently, Solomon remains free on bond pending sentencing, a temporary reprieve for a man who once held the power of arrest.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Lee J. Karl are leading the prosecution, promising a thorough accounting of Solomon’s actions. The FBI’s investigation has undoubtedly shaken the foundations of the East Washington Borough Police Department, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability within the force. This case serves as a stark reminder that corruption can fester even in the smallest of communities.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses toward sentencing. The public deserves to know the full extent of Solomon’s crimes and the damage he inflicted on the community he was sworn to protect. This isn’t just about one corrupt cop; it’s about a system that allowed him to operate with impunity for too long.