(WHTM) — Over a million dollars from a Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge in Pennsylvania was stolen, and a former member is now facing charges, the Attorney General said.

Joseph Osinski, 55, of McKeesport, is accused of stealing money from FOP Lodge 91 in Allegheny County and making multiple unauthorized purchases on the lodge’s bank card, the AG said in a news release on Thursday.

Osinski’s, a former McKeesport detective, role in the lodge was the financial secretary from 2020 to 2024 and was one of three people that had access to the bank accounts and he also helped with treasurer duties.

“This defendant was not only a trusted member of law enforcement in his community, he was trusted by his peers and colleagues to handle their dues money in support of the FOP mission,” Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. “His abuse of that trust left his fellow officers struggling to keep their lodge afloat and damaged the public’s trust in those working to protect them. These charges serve as a reminder that we will seek justice from those who harm our communities, regardless of job or position.”

In total, Osinski allegedly stole $1,067,057.82 from the lodge.

The AG says Osinski would get paychecks that were made payable to the lodge, and he would then deposit them into accounts that he opened under the FOP’s name at a separate financial institution, but he made himself the only authorized user. The purchases on the lodge credit card made by Osinski included alcohol, hotels, stuff for his own restaurant that closed in Jan., and more.

The 15 FOP Board members received an anonymous letter, indicating something was wrong with the lodge’s financial status. Members had also noticed the unauthorized purchases on the credit card before getting the letter, the AG says.

Osinski told investigators that what he did was for his business, he is quoted in the criminal complaint saying, “the whole reason behind it was to try to keep my business afloat.” He also made other comments about stealing the money for his restaurant, the complaint says.

Osinski also embezzled checks that were written out to a memorial fund for an officer who died in the line of duty, the AG says.

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There are over 1,200 members from 102 police departments that belong to the lodge, according to the criminal complaint. Dues in 2023 were $540 but that jumped to $650 for 2024.

Osinski faces charges of theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, access device fraud, misapplication of entrusted property, dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity, and receiving stolen property.

Osinski’s bail was set at $50,000 unsecured and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9.

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