A West Penn Township police officer charged with making up a report about being assaulted and thrown down a steep embankment has pleaded guilty.

Melissa M. Ruch, 42, of New Ringgold, was charged with misdemeanor counts of filing a false report to law enforcement officials, creating a false alarm for agencies of public safety, falsely incriminating another, and making false reports after the incident in September 2015.Her trial was scheduled to begin in Schuylkill County court today.Instead, she pleaded guilty this morning to making false reports.She was sentenced to 12 months probation and was ordered to make restitution to the health insurer for $76,000, and about $5,000 to Harrisburg crime lab.When Judge Jacqueline Russell asked her why she was pleading guilty, she replied, “Because I am.”She is represented by attorney Frederick J. Fanelli.Schuylkill County First Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley is prosecuting the case.