Upland Police Chief Accused: Over $56,000 in Fraudulent Overtime
Prosecutors say former Chief Michael Irey logged hours for traffic duty while drinking at local bars, a scheme exposed by eight of his subordinates.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Michael Irey, 55, faces multiple criminal charges for collecting more than $56,600 in fraudulent overtime while serving as the police chief of Upland Borough. Delaware County prosecutors announced the case on Monday, detailing a scheme that ran from 2025 until early this year.
Irey was charged with theft, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, and forgery. Authorities state he used his administrative access to the department scheduling system to log hours for duties such as directing traffic outside the Chester Community Charter School or pursuing intoxicated drivers.
Investigators determined that during these logged shifts, Irey was instead visiting bars and restaurants in Media, Middletown, and Newtown Square. He assigned other officers to perform the work he was paid to do. The overtime payments totaled more than $56,600 over the course of the year.
The investigation began in December after the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office received information about the misconduct. Eight of the nine police officers in Upland Borough submitted anonymous tips to borough officials. They reported seeing Irey at establishments including DiFabio’s Market and Tap, Old State Tavern, La Porta, and LaScala’s Fire during afternoon hours.
Staff at DiFabio’s in Media told investigators Irey was a frequent visitor who often arrived in the early afternoon. Employees at La Porta in Newtown Square described him as a regular who came in every Thursday in 2025. Investigators corroborated these claims by reviewing Irey’s digital time sheets, bank statements, and vehicle movements tracked by automatic license plate readers.
Irey was placed on leave in February and is no longer employed by the department. He was arrested in New Jersey last week on a separate gun possession charge and is currently awaiting extradition to Delaware County.
District Attorney Tanner Rouse commended the officers who reported their boss, stating they showed a willingness to do what is right even when it is difficult. Rouse said the badge carries a responsibility that does not end when the shift is over and that public trust should never be treated as a personal paycheck.
