Charges Filed Against Mahoning Township Police Chief Following Alleged 'Huffing' Incident

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office Wednesday announced criminal charges have been filed against the police chief of Mahoning Township amid allegations he inhaled compressed air, a practice known as "huffing."

The charges against Chad D. Thomas, 41, are the result of an investigation by the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

According to a criminal complaint, the investigation revealed that on May 27 of this year multiple police officers with the Mahoning Township Police Department were present when Thomas was "huffing" from a can of compressed air while on duty. They told investigators they saw Thomas' eyes flutter and he was unresponsive, the criminal complaint states. One officer reported that he thought Thomas suffered a seizure.

The can of compressed air, which is typically used to clear dust from electronics, was placed into evidence at the time of the alleged incident. Further analysis of the can by the Pennsylvania State Police showed it to contain a substance that is prohibited from being inhaled under the state's Sale or Illegal Use of Certain Solvents and Noxious Substances Act, investigators reported.

The investigation also included a review of an internal investigation of the alleged incident. That investigation included a written statement from Thomas in which he acknowledged the "huffing" incident occurred, the criminal complaint states.

Thomas, 3543 First St., Bloomsburg, Columbia County, is charged with two counts each of sale or illegal use of certain solvents and noxious substances. He appeared today for a preliminary arraignment, where he was released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 16.

The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Michele Kluk of the Office of Attorney General's Criminal Prosecutions Section.