Johnstown Police Captain charged, accused of 'deceiving' woman during vehicle transaction

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — State police say a Johnstown police captain is facing charges for allegedly deceiving a woman and her teenage son during a vehicle transaction earlier this year.

Johnstown Police Capt. Michael Plunkard was charged Friday with two third-degree felony theft-related offenses.

According to a probable-cause affidavit, in May, Plunkard reportedly posted to Facebook that he was interested in selling his 2007 Jeep for $12,000.

Investigators say the woman had reportedly messaged Plunkard, stating that she was interested in buying the vehicle for her 17-year-old son.

Plunkard had allegedly told the woman that he still had a “small” loan on the vehicle, and that it would take a few days to get the title released.

The woman thought the loan was about $1,000, according to officials.

In June, the woman and her son had met Plunkard at his home and gave him a check for $11,000, according to the affidavit.

The woman allegedly gave the check to Plunkard with the understanding that the final purchase will occur when the Jeep’s title is transferred.

The check was cashed the following day, according to the affidavit.

A police search later revealed that Plunkard still owed $29,461.48 on the Jeep, as of Aug. 4.

Police note that Plunkard’s original statement that he had a “small” loan on the vehicle was “false and deceptive,” according to the affidavit.

Plunkard was arraigned Friday before District Judge Susan Gindlesperger and is free on a $25,000 unsecured bond.

Johnstown City Manager Ethan Imhoff said that Plunkard has been placed on administrative leave.

Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer says JPD fully cooperated with the investigation and "his case will be handled in the same manner as any similar case."

"We do not at this time anticipate the charges pending against him to impact any other ongoing cases in Cambria County," Neugebauer added.

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