Delco police chief stole $50k in overtime money for shifts he didn't work

Delaware County Delco police chief stole $50k in overtime money for shifts he didn't work Upland Borough Police Chief Michael Irey is charged with forgery after receiving over $50,000 in overtime pay and not actually working the extra time. By Emily Rose Grassi • Published November 9, 2026 • Updated on November 9, 2026 at 3:43 pm A police chief in Pennsylvania is facing several charges after collecting over $50,000 in overtime that he didn't work, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office. The investigation began on Dec. 5, 2025, when eight police officers from the Upland Borough Police Department filed complaints against Police Chief Michael Irey. Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE The complaints accused Chief Irey of submitting overtime and extra duty hours but he was not seen by the officers working the additional shifts. The officers said that they had suspicions Irey wasn't doing the overtime because he would not show up for posts he signed up for. One of the officers was able to see the overtime Irey claimed to have worked in the timekeeping system they used. Several police officers said that they saw Irey at bars in Delaware County and license plate readers throughout the county placed his borough-issued car near the same bars. The investigation into Irey's overtime submissions found that Irey got more than $50,000 in overtime hours he did not work. Local Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. weather forecast 9 hours ago Bright and calmer wind for Wednesday North Philadelphia 3 hours ago Dozens of shell casings marked for shooting under investigation in North Philly Irey was charged with theft by unlawful taking-movable prep, obstruction of justice, forgery and other related offenses. An arrest warrant was issued for Irey on Nov. 5 and he was arrested in New Jersey on Nov. 9. He is awaiting extradition. According to the District Attorney's Office, the Upland Police Department has access to grants that help pay officers who complete overtime duties. Some of the overtime duties include handling traffic before and after school hours at the Chester Community Charter School as well as to assist Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). There is also a weekend assignment known as the Roving DUI Patrol. The investigation into this case is ongoing. If you have any information, please contact Sergeant Edward Rosen at 610-891-4700. This article tagged under: Delaware County Pennsylvania