HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that criminal charges have been filed against former Arnold Police Department Chief Joshua Stanga. The charges stem from a joint investigation led by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police into allegations of misconduct by Stanga.
As part of the investigation, agents from the Office of Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police conducted a professional integrity test in August. They placed nearly $300 in cash and placebo OxyContin pills in a vehicle, which they then abandoned at a location in Arnold. The vehicle was reported to police, and Stanga responded to the scene. He allegedly pocketed most of the cash before filing a police report that misstated the facts.
Joshua Stanga, 41, of Arnold, Westmoreland County, 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.
During the surveilled sting operation, Stanga was observed allegedly taking the money and pills. He then reported recovering only the pills and $35 cash to the Pennsylvania State Police, omitting the full amount.
“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 Henry said. “As we do in every investigation, we followed the facts. Here, those facts lead to the defendant being charged regardless of rank or position.”
“Members of law enforcement are entrusted to have the highest standards of integrity, and these charges show that no one is above the law,” said Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Cuttitta, Director of Special Investigations Division within Bureau Criminal Investigation. “A key mission of law enforcement is continuing to ensure public trust is built and not eroded.”
Stanga has been on administrative leave from Arnold Police Department since mid-August.
Following arraignment, Stanga was released on his own recognizance without posting monetary bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 3.
This case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Tomm Mutschler. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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