A former eastern Pennsylvania police officer accused of making up a story about having been attacked and thrown down a highway embankment a year ago has been sentenced to probation as part of a plea agreement.
Forty-two-year-old Melissa Ruch pleaded guilty Wednesday in Schuylkill County Court to false reports to law enforcement-falsely incriminating another. Prosecutors withdrew a second count as well as charges of false alarm and furnishing authorities with false information.
A judge ordered her to spend 12 months on probation and pay restitution, including medical and prosecution costs.
The former West Penn Township officer said she was attacked by a large man in September 2015 on Route 309 near the top of the Blue Mountain in West Penn Township. State police said they found inconsistencies in her account
