BREAKING: A shocking federal whistleblower lawsuit has been filed against the Pennsylvania State Police, alleging a significant payroll fraud scheme within Troop P, Wilkes-Barre. Capt. Patrick Dougherty and Lt. Derek Felsman claim they faced retaliation after uncovering evidence that troopers inflated their pay by manipulating time sheets.
The lawsuit, filed recently, underscores serious allegations against top officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Col. George Bivens, who is set to become acting state police commissioner this week. Dougherty and Felsman assert that they were reassigned to newly created positions after reporting these fraudulent activities, which they describe as a “widespread theft” within the department.
The allegations involve at least three troopers from Troop P, who reportedly logged day shifts while claiming they worked during afternoons and nights, allowing them to receive a 5% increase in shift differential pay over an eight-month period. Dougherty, who was the commanding officer of Troop P, claims he was reassigned in July 2023 to a position with no prior existence, while Felsman was similarly demoted to a “phony” role as special projects section commander.
The lawsuit details a troubling timeline, beginning with a campaign event in September 2022, where a photo of troopers with former President Donald Trump sparked outrage among state officials. Felsman, who appeared in the photo, alleges that this incident fueled ongoing retaliation against him and Dougherty.
According to attorney Mark Schwartz, the lawsuit highlights how the plaintiffs faced continual harassment for their attempts to expose wrongdoing. “Having made a bona fide complaint of shift theft,” Schwartz stated, “Plaintiffs believe they have been deliberately targeted by a State Police Agency desirous of covering up what may well be a very widespread theft.”
The lawsuit claims that Dougherty reported the suspected payroll fraud to his supervisor, Major Norman Cramer, in February 2023. After being discouraged from filing a complaint, he proceeded to do so anyway, feeling a moral obligation to address the alleged criminal behavior.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, the three troopers involved in the fraud scheme have not faced criminal charges. One trooper was suspended for 25 days and transferred to a job with limited responsibilities, while another received an “honorable discharge.” The fate of the third trooper remains unclear.
As this lawsuit unfolds, attention is drawn to the implications for accountability within the Pennsylvania State Police. The plaintiffs are calling for transparency and justice in a situation they describe as deeply troubling for both the agency and the public.
The state police have not yet responded to media inquiries regarding this urgent matter, leaving many questions unanswered. As developments continue, the public is urged to monitor this situation closely, as it raises critical issues about integrity and oversight in law enforcement.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
