A Dunmore police officer turned himself in Friday to face drug and other charges after ingesting cocaine and collapsing at his desk at department headquarters on Nov. 28 from an overdose.
Sgt. Stephon D. Burgette, who served the department for over a decade and was promoted in September of 2024, is accused of taking cocaine out of evidence, according to a criminal complaint.
At about 12:45 a.m. officers received a phone call from a family member concerned that Burgette hadn’t returned after his shift which ended at 10:30 p.m. Responding officers went to Burgette’s office and found him unresponsive and slumped over his desk.
Officers attempted to awaken him utilizing a technique called a “sternum rub,” but were unsuccessful and called an ambulance. While waiting for medical personnel to arrive, Burgette was in and out of consciousness, according to the complaint.
When medics arrived, they noted the pupils of Burgette’s eyes were pinpointed, a sign of narcotics use. They also spotted an unsealed evidence bag in Burgette’s office, police said.
Burgette initally refused medical treatment and told his fellow officers to simply “crack my back” and that he would be okay.
Police Chief Sal Marchese responded to the department. When Burgette’s condition did not improve, Marchese ordered him to be transported to the hospital. During this time, Burgette was incoherent and could not hold a conversation.
He was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center for treatment.
Lackawanna County detectives, who investigated the case, obtained a warrant for the results of a blood and urine analysis, which tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl.
The brown evidence bag found in Burgette’s office was examined by county detectives and recorded on camera. When it was inventoried investigators determined 6.3 grams of cocaine was missing from the bag.
He is charged with misdemeanor counts of tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance and obstructing the administration of law.
“Sergeant Burgette has been placed on (unpaid) administrative leave pending the outcome of the case,” Mayor Max Conway said in a release.
Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said Burgette must be held accountable.
“We recognize that officers are human and can struggle, but when someone wears a badge, they must adhere to a higher standard of conduct,” Gallagher said. “We are shocked, saddened and extremely disappointed, and while we hope he gets the help he needs, he must be held accountable just like anyone else. I would also like to thank the borough of Dunmore and Mayor Conway for his swift action, assistance and cooperation.”
Career at department
Burgette was hired in August of 2015, after graduating from the Municipal Police Officer Training Class program at Lackawanna College in January 2014, according to The Times-Tribune archives. In September of 2024, he was promoted to sergeant, along with two other officers. Burgette is also a member of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force and Lackawanna County SWAT Team.
Before joining the department, Burgette was a Scranton High School football standout, leading the team to a 9-3 season and the playoffs in 2002, before going on to play for Wilkes University for four years. He went on to become a professional boxer who fought locally and concluded his career in 2016, according to newspaper archives.