A Scranton Police Department officer pleaded guilty this week in federal court to theft of federal funds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Jeffrey J. Vaughn, 50, a patrol sergeant, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani.

Vaughn was accused of taking more than $5,000 wages for extra duty patrol shifts at Scranton-area lower-income housing complexes that Vaughn claimed to work but did not in fact work from July 30, 2021 to April 22, 2022,.

Vaughn admitted that he took $6,500 and $15,000, and that he abused a position of public trust, that of police patrol sergeant, in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission of his offense. Vaughn also agreed to make restitution to the affected housing complexes in the amount of $11,243.00.

Vaughn could be sentenced up to 10 years in jail.