Oct 1, 2014 3 min read

A hearing will be held Friday to discuss the employment status of a Washington police officer accused of giving tips about undercover sting operations to a prostitute.

The due process hearing for Joshua Rush will allow city police officials to meet with City Council and the mayor to give them more information on the arrest before a decision is expected next week on whether the 10-year veteran will be suspended or terminated.

Rush, 39, of North Strabane Township, was accused of sending text messages to a woman Sept. 17 warning her of the undercover prostitution sting operation in Washington that morning. Police said Rush also worked to distract his supervisor while they drove together in an unmarked car during the sting. After the two parted ways, the supervisor went back into the area of North Franklin and Church streets and was allegedly solicited by the woman, Beth Ann Davis, 31, who had text messages from Rush on her cellphone.

Both Rush and his supervisor, who is also a city police officer, were working a detail for the district attorney’s Drug Task Force during the sting. The other officer notified his supervisors of the text messages from Rush to Davis, city police Chief Chris Luppino said, and Rush was placed on paid administrative leave the same day.

Luppino said information from the officer prompted the department to launch an internal investigation, which led to the charges being filed against Rush last Friday. He added the officers were unaware of the Rush’s relationship with Davis before Sept. 17, though the two are accused of carrying on a sexual relationship for about five years.

“It was reported immediately to us from the officers within our department,” Luppino said. “There is no indication that anyone had any idea about that activity before that night.”

Rush’s attorney, Joseph Francis, did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment. It was not known if Rush, his defense attorney or Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 95, which represents city police officers, would be at Friday’s due process hearing.

Washington Mayor Brenda Davis said she expected to discuss Rush’s employment situation again with council next week before a decision likely will be made during next Thursday’s voting meeting. She said those options could include suspension without pay or termination.

Davis also said an internal review is being conducted to determine if city police followed the department’s protocol, although she praised officers for their work on the investigation.

“The city police department followed the chain of command once this information was given to them,” Davis said. “We acted very swiftly to make sure we made the decision we made. I’m very proud of the way the city department handled it.”

Rush, who is free on $10,000 unsecured bond, was charged last Friday with obstruction of justice, hindering prosecution and reckless endangerment. His preliminary is scheduled for 1 p.m. Nov. 4 before District Judge Robert Redlinger.