Pittsburgh-Area Police Chief Facing Theft, Other Charges

ARNOLD, PA — Arnold Police Chief Joshua Stanga faces several criminal charges stemming from a sting operation conducted in August by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office and state police.

Stanga, 41, of Arnold is charged with misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking, misapplication of entrusted property, obstructing administration of law, unsworn falsification to law enforcement, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

According to Attorney General Michelle Henry's office, investigators conducted a "professional integrity test," placing almost $300 cash and placebo OxyContin pills in a vehicle which they abandoned in Arnold. The ‘abandoned’ vehicle was then reported to police, Stanga responded to the scene, and allegedly pocketed most of the cash before filing a police report that misstated the facts.

During the surveilled sting operation, Stanga was observed allegedly taking the money and pills. The defendant then reported the vehicle recovery to the Pennsylvania State Police, but only included recovering the pills and $35 cash, omitting the full amount.

Stanga has been on administrative leave from the Arnold Police Department since mid-August.

Following arraignment, Stanga was released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 3.