Upland Police Chief: Charged with $50,000 Overtime Fraud

Former Upland Borough Police Chief Michael Irey is now facing charges after detectives found he collected over $50,000 for shift work he never performed. Irey was arrested in New Jersey on November 9. He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

The investigation began after eight full-time officers filed complaints with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit on December 5, 2025. The officers reported that Irey submitted timesheets for overtime and extra duty details while absent from the assigned posts. The Upland Police Department receives grant funding for these assignments from entities like Chester Community Charter School and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Irey was assigned to these details and often drove an unmarked vehicle.

Detectives reviewed overtime submissions, cellphone data, bank records, and license plate reader information. They matched Irey’s borough-issued vehicles to data showing the cars were near popular bars instead of the duty locations. In January, seven anonymous complaints were also delivered to the Upland Borough Council. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are asking for more information.

"The badge carries a responsibility that does not end when the shift is over, and public trust should never be treated as a personal paycheck," said District Attorney Tanner Rouse. "Michael Irey used his position to collect more than $50,000 for overtime he never worked, betraying both the public and the officers who faithfully serve their communities." Rouse commended the officers who came forward, stating their actions demonstrated integrity and accountability.

Irey was issued an arrest warrant on November 5. He was apprehended four days later. The District Attorney’s Office has not yet indicated if additional charges will emerge. Sergeant Edward Rosen is the point of contact for the ongoing review.