Duquesne Police Chief, Charged With Witness Intimidation, Waives Hearing

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Duquesne Police Chief Thomas Dunlevy waived his preliminary hearing Monday on felony charges to court.

Dunlevy is charged with witness intimidation, obstruction and oppression. He waived all charges to court and one charge was withdrawn.

Allegheny County Police said the charges stem from a reported sexual assault case, with Dunlevy allegedly confronting the father of the 15-year-old victim.

Nathan Beck, 20, is accused of assaulting the girl. He's a Duquesne volunteer firefighter and a friend of Dunlevy's, investigators said. Police said the alleged victim's father reported the assault.

According to the criminal complaint, the father said Dunlevy showed up to his job saying he had evidence that Beck could use in the trial and he could potentially lose custody of his children.

Dunlevy's attorney, Patrick Thomassey, said he's innocent and has been a dedicated officer for more than 25 years.

"If he's going to commit a crime, he's not going to go to a property where there's cameras, and in a car and with a fellow officer. He wasn't committing a crime, he was trying to give a heads up on some really bad things that are going to happen in the trial to try and resolve the case by a plea," said Thomassey.

During this time, Duquense's mayor-elect put a lieutenant in charge. He will decide who will lead the department on Jan. 3.

Attorney Jimmy DePasquale, who represents Beck, said his client never requested that the police chief involve himself in the criminal charges.

Dunlevy is due back in court on Feb. 8.