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A suspended state trooper pleaded guilty to obstructing the administration of law and impersonating a public servant during court Tuesday morning.
Johnathan Buynak, a state trooper employed with the Montoursville Pennsylvania State Police barracks, was sentenced to two years of probation, 100 hours of community service and will pay $900 in restitution as a result.
In the first case, Buynak responded to a report of a theft on July 26, 2019, and pleaded guilty of obstructing the administration of law.
He arrived on-scene to find Amanda Fenderson, a woman with whom he had personal contact, accused of stealing $60.
Buynak later gave $60 to the victims, saying it was part of the investigation.
When Fenderson was incarcerated on unrelated charges, Buynak posted a bail of $772.50 on Aug. 14, and was issued a no contact order by PSP Lieutenant James C. Warner the next day. He proceeded to pay the rest of Fenderson's $450 bail bond.
Buynak also pleaded guilty to impersonating a public servant when he posed as an undercover drug cop to solicit money from one of Fenderson's acquaintances.
On Aug. 21, Fenderson introduced Buynak to Thomas Dykstra, who is alleged to have given Buynak $500 to pay the remaining balance.
According to police reports, Fenderson told Dykstra she was working with Buynak on an undercover drug investigation, and that funds to make drug buys for the investigation were delayed.
Over the course of three days, Dykstra gave Buynak and Fenderson $900, and on Aug. 24, questioned if the investigation was legitimate.
Lycoming County President Judge Nancy Butts stated Buynak was cooperative with the investigation into both cases against him, and had minimal contact with the system beforehand.
Corporal John Powis, who filed the affidavit in the case, stated Buynak was currently suspended from his position pending an investigation at the department level.