Harrisburg, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced that criminal charges have been filed against former Arnold Police Department Chief Joshua Stanga following a joint investigation by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The investigation involved a professional integrity test conducted in August.
Agents from both offices placed nearly $300 in cash and placebo OxyContin pills in an abandoned vehicle in Arnold. Stanga responded to the scene, allegedly pocketing most of the cash before filing an inaccurate police report.
Joshua Stanga, 41, of Arnold, Westmoreland County, faces misdemeanor counts, including theft by unlawful taking, misapplication of entrusted property, obstructing the administration of law, unsworn falsification to law enforcement, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
The charges stem from a surveilled sting operation where Stanga was observed taking the money and pills. He later reported the recovery to state police, including only the pills and $35.
Attorney General Henry emphasized that Stanga’s alleged offenses betray the community’s trust and the integrity of law enforcement officers who uphold their duties. Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Cuttitta reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards in law
