Former Upland police chief charged in $50,000 overtime investigation

UPLAND, Pa. (WPVI) -- Former Upland Borough Police Chief Michael Irey is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly collecting more than $50,000 for overtime and extra-duty assignments he did not work, the Delaware County District Attorney's Office announced Monday.

The district attorney's office said it was contacted in December 2025 when someone from the Upland Borough Police Department contacted the district attorney's Special Investigations Unit.

Authorities said eight full-time officers had filed complaints with the borough alleging Irey was submitting overtime and extra-duty hours for assignments he did not work.

The assignments included school traffic details paid for by a grant from the Chester Community Charter School and overtime assignments involving the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Investigators said officers became suspicious after Irey was not seen at some of the posts for which he had signed up.

The Criminal Investigations Division was contacted again in January 2026 and received seven anonymous complaints that had also been submitted to Upland Borough Council.

Investigators reviewed overtime submissions along with cellphone data, bank records, timekeeping records and license plate reader information.

Authorities said the investigation determined Irey had received more than $50,000 for overtime and details he did not work.

The district attorney's office said multiple officers reported seeing Irey at bars in and around Delaware County while he was being paid for assignments, and license plate readers placed his borough-issued vehicle near some of those locations.

Irey is charged with three counts each of theft by unlawful taking, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, theft by deception, forgery involving an unauthorized act in writing, uttering a forged writing and unsworn falsification to authorities. He also faces one count each of obstruction of justice and receiving stolen property.

An arrest warrant was issued for Irey on Nov. 5. He was taken into custody by police in New Jersey on local charges Nov. 9 and is awaiting extradition to Delaware County, according to the district attorney's office.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Sgt. Edward Rosen at 610-891-4700.