Arnold police chief charged with theft, evidence tampering and obstruction
ARNOLD, Pa. (KDKA) - Arnold Police Department Chief Joshua Stanga has been charged with theft, evidence tampering, and obstruction, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.
An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police found that Stanga took cash from a reported stolen vehicle.
Agents and state police conducted a "professional integrity test" in August when they placed nearly $300 cash and placebo OxyContin pills inside the vehicle they abandoned in Arnold. Once they reported the "abandoned" vehicle to the police, Stanga responded to the report and allegedly took most of the cash before filing his report.
In Stanga's report, he claimed to have recovered the pills and $35.
"This defendant is charged with offenses that betray the trust of the community which he was sworn to serve and the many officers who perform their duties every day with bravery and integrity," Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a news release. "As we do in every investigation, we followed the facts. Here, those facts lead to the defendant being charged, regardless of rank or position."
During the operation, Stanga was observed taking the pills and money from the vehicle but pocketing most of the cash.
"Members of law enforcement are entrusted to have the highest standards of integrity, and these charges show that no one is above the law," Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Cuttitta said in a news release. "A key mission of law enforcement is continuing to ensure public trust is built, and not eroded."
Stanga has been on administrative leave and was released without bail following his arraignment on Thursday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.
"When I'm allowed to speak, I'm going to speak," he said on Thursday. "I have nothing to hide or hold back."
"We believe that once all the facts are brought to light in a court of law that he's going to be vindicated," Stanga's attorney, Valerie Veltri, said.
When asked what he had to say about letting the people of his community down, Stanga said he's from Arnold and loves the community.
"I love my Arnold citizens," Stanga said. "I'm still going to be here. I'm not hiding. I'm still out and about everywhere I go. I'm not going to hide from this."
According to the criminal complaint, Stanga admitted to taking some of the money because he believed his ex-wife was setting him up. After the arraignment, he said he had no comment on his ex-wife being behind it.