A former McKeesport police detective is now facing jail time after admitting he stole close to $1 million from the Allegheny County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
The case, which shook the law enforcement community, revealed a long-running scheme that diverted funds meant for officers and even a memorial fund for a fallen colleague.
Background of the Theft
Guilty Plea and Charges
Joseph Osinski, who once served as a detective and was also the financial secretary for FOP Lodge 91, pleaded guilty earlier this year.
Prosecutors said he stole nearly $1 million from the lodge, which represents law enforcement officers across Allegheny County.
Sentencing Details
On Monday, Osinski received a sentence of 9 to 18 months in jail, followed by three years of probation. In addition, the court ordered him to repay more than $967,000 in restitution to FOP Lodge 91.
Public Trust Violated
Attorney General’s Response
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned Osinski’s actions, saying the former detective betrayed both public trust and the trust of fellow officers.
Sunday highlighted the seriousness of the crime, noting that Osinski even misused money intended for a memorial fund dedicated to an officer killed in the line of duty.
According to the Attorney General, Osinski’s ongoing theft not only harmed the lodge financially but also deeply affected law enforcement personnel across the state.
How the Scheme Was Uncovered
Role Within the Lodge
Osinski managed financial responsibilities for the lodge from 2020 to April 2024, giving him direct access to accounts and deposits.
Investigation Begins
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation in early 2024 after FOP board members received an anonymous letter questioning the lodge’s financial stability.
Discovery of Unauthorized Accounts
Investigators found that Osinski had secretly opened bank accounts under the lodge’s name. He was listed as the sole owner and authorized user of these accounts.
Instead of depositing checks into official lodge funds — including donations meant for a memorial fund — he placed them into the unauthorized accounts he created.
Misuse of Memorial Fund Checks
Funds Diverted
The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that among the missing money were checks specifically written to support a memorial fund for a fallen officer.
Instead of ensuring the donations reached their intended purpose, Osinski redirected the funds into the fraudulent accounts he controlled.
The case of Joseph Osinski serves as a stark reminder of the profound damage caused when a trusted individual misuses their authority.
By diverting nearly $1 million — including money meant to honor a fallen officer — Osinski not only endangered the financial stability of FOP Lodge 91 but also deeply violated the trust of the law enforcement community he once served. His sentencing reflects both accountability and the seriousness of the betrayal.
