Pa. trooper is accused of tipping off suspects

HARRISBURG - A state trooper who was a member of an anti-prostitution task force is accused of tipping off the people he was supposed to be investigating.

A federal grand jury indicted Trooper Shawn Dillard, 39, of Harrisburg, on charges of making false statements, obstructing justice, facilitating interstate prostitution and conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney's Office said yesterday. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and $1 million in fines.

Prosecutors said Dillard was a member of a task force investigating prostitution at an Interstate 81 truck stop near Harrisburg. They said Dillard tipped suspects about the activities of undercover agents, offered to reduce the charges against a young woman in his custody in exchange for sexual favors, and lied to federal agents about his illegal activities.

Dillard's lawyer did not return a telephone message yesterday seeking comment on the indictment.

- AP