Criminal charges imminent for Arnold police chief, sources say
ARNOLD, Pa. (KDKA) — Criminal charges are imminent against a Westmoreland County police chief, sources say.
Arnold Police Department Chief Josh Stanga was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 16, just six months after being named chief. Sources told KDKA-TV that Stanga will turn himself in on Thursday to be arraigned on theft-related charges. It is all from the result of a theft investigation, sources said.
"I'm just not allowed to say anything at this point as much as I would like to," Stanga told KDKA-TV on Wednesday in a text message. "As soon as I can speak I promise I will."
Arnold Mayor Shannon Santucci previously confirmed that the police station was not raided, but the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office and Pennsylvania State Police are involved in the investigation.
Weeks ago, KDKA-TV asked a state police spokesperson Steve Limani for comment. He said, "They told me refer all questions to the AG's office."
A spokesperson for the attorney general's office then told KDKA-TV, "We cannot confirm nor deny the existence of any investigation on this."
Stanga replaced Chief Eric Doutt in February. He has been off the job on paid leave, and Officer Rob Haus took over as interim police chief
Stanga has also worked in law enforcement in Armstrong, Beaver and Allegheny counties.
"He was doing a decent job. My wife worked for the school district and like she said, she has seen him up there playing with the kids in the playground," Arnold resident Gary Grzybek said.
The solicitor told KDKA-TV that she could not comment on the matter.
