TO GET THE FLAMES UNDER CONTROL AND CLEARED THE AREA. WELL, NEW AT FOUR TWO STATE POLICE TROOPERS FILED A CIVIL LAWSUIT AGAINST GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO THE STATE. TWO STATE POLICE LEADERS AND OTHERS. TWO TROOPERS, CAPTAIN PATRICK DOUGHERTY AND LIEUTENANT DEREK FELSMAN, ARE FROM TROOP P IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. ACCORDING TO THE LAWSUIT. THOSE TROOPERS SAY THAT THE TROOPERS SAY THAT THEY WERE RETALIATED AGAINST AFTER REPORTING WHAT THEY SAY WAS WIDESPREAD PAYROLL FRAUD WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT. THE SUIT SAYS THAT THEY REPORTED IT THROUGH OFFICIAL INTERNAL CHANNELS, AND INSTEAD OF ACCOUNTABILITY, THEY WERE SUBJECTED TO HOSTILE TREATMENT, RETALIATORY INVESTIGATIONS AND WERE REMOVED FROM LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. THEY ALSO SAY THEIR CAREERS AND INCOME WERE IMPACTED BY THIS. WHILE THE OFFICERS ACCUSED OF MISCONDUCT AVOIDED CHARGES AND RECEIVED LENIENT DISCIPLINE. STATE POLICE RESPONDED TO THE SUIT TODAY, TELLING NEWS EIGHT THAT IT STRONGLY DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS, ADDING, QUOTE, PSP TAKES ANY ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT SERIOUSLY AND ADDRESSES THEM ACCORDING TO
State troopers claim retaliation in lawsuit over alleged payroll fraud
Updated: 4:17 PM EST Dec 31, 2025
Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers from Troop P in Northeastern Pennsylvania have filed a civil lawsuit against Gov. Josh Shapiro, the state, two state police leaders, and others, alleging retaliation after they reported payroll fraud within the department.According to the lawsuit, Cpt. Patrick Dougherty and Lt. Derek Felsman claim they were subjected to hostile treatment, retaliatory investigations, and removal from leadership roles after reporting the alleged fraud through official internal channels. They also allege that their careers and income were harmed, while officers accused of misconduct avoided charges and received lenient discipline.Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Myles Snyder responded to the allegations with the following statement:”The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) upholds the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability for all members. Members must strictly adhere to the code of conduct, which outlines the ethical behavior and public service responsibilities expected of them. These standards are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring confidence in the agency.”PSP takes any allegations of misconduct seriously and addresses them according to established policies, procedures, and applicable laws. The Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, conducted an internal investigation in accordance with AR 4- 25, Internal Investigations. PSP does not disclose the outcome of personnel disciplinary matters. PSP strongly denies the allegations set forth in the lawsuit and will have no further comment on this pending litigation.”
Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers from Troop P in Northeastern Pennsylvania have filed a civil lawsuit against Gov. Josh Shapiro, the state, two state police leaders, and others, alleging retaliation after they reported payroll fraud within the department.
According to the lawsuit, Cpt. Patrick Dougherty and Lt. Derek Felsman claim they were subjected to hostile treatment, retaliatory investigations, and removal from leadership roles after reporting the alleged fraud through official internal channels.
They also allege that their careers and income were harmed, while officers accused of misconduct avoided charges and received lenient discipline.
Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Myles Snyder responded to the allegations with the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) upholds the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability for all members. Members must strictly adhere to the code of conduct, which outlines the ethical behavior and public service responsibilities expected of them. These standards are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring confidence in the agency.
“PSP takes any allegations of misconduct seriously and addresses them according to established policies, procedures, and applicable laws. The Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division, conducted an internal investigation in accordance with AR 4- 25, Internal Investigations. PSP does not disclose the outcome of personnel disciplinary matters. PSP strongly denies the allegations set forth in the lawsuit and will have no further comment on this pending litigation.”