Former pennsylvania fop officer charged with misappropriating $1 million in union funds

HARRISBURG, PA – A McKeesport detective and former financial officer of the local Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) lodge has been charged with the theft of over $1 million from union funds, according to an announcement made Thursday by Attorney General Michelle Henry.

Joseph Osinski, 55, is facing multiple charges, including theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, access device fraud, and misapplication of entrusted property. Authorities allege that Osinski, who served as the financial secretary of FOP Lodge 91, misused his access to the lodge’s bank accounts to transfer funds and make unauthorized purchases for personal use. His bail has been set at $50,000 unsecured, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 9.

“This defendant was not only a trusted member of law enforcement in his community, he was trusted by his peers and colleagues to handle their dues money in support of the FOP mission,” Attorney General Henry said in a statement.

Osinski held the position of financial secretary from 2020 until April 2024 and was one of three individuals with access to the lodge’s bank accounts. He also assisted with treasurer duties. The charges stem from an investigation initiated after an anonymous letter in January 2024 raised concerns about the lodge’s financial status.

Investigators allege that Osinski diverted $1,041,680 from the lodge between March 2019 and April 2024. The funds were deposited into accounts he opened in the FOP’s name but for which he was the sole authorized user. He is also accused of misusing the lodge’s credit card and bank accounts for personal expenses totaling more than $24,000.

Among the stolen funds were contributions intended for a memorial fund honoring an officer who died in the line of duty. Osinski allegedly deposited those checks into his personal accounts instead of the designated memorial fund.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further comments were made regarding additional suspects or charges.

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