Pennsylvania officer, assistant public works director charged with felony theft, bid rigging

(WPHL) — An Upper Southampton Township Police Officer and a former township employee are facing felony charges after accusations of bid rigging and theft of township vehicles.

According to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Derek Gale, 47, and Brandon Valentino, 27, conspired to intentionally lower the value of decommissioned township vehicles for their benefit.

The alleged scheme involved two Ford Explorers, which were both former police vehicles. According to an investigation by Bucks County Detectives, last year, Gale and Valentino misrepresented the condition of a green 2014 Ford Explorer to lower its auction value. They allegedly swapped the upgraded wheels, claimed the vehicle needed a new engine, had a water pump leak, and would need to be towed.

Investigators say that after Valentino purchased the car for $1,005, it was found to be in good working order after inspection. He is also accused of reinstalling the upgraded wheels and selling the vehicle for a “significantly higher price.”

Bucks County Detectives noticed the same pattern a year later in April 2025 for a gray 2013 Ford Explorer. Gale allegedly swapped the upgraded wheels, and the listing claimed the vehicle needed a new battery, rack and pinion, and water pump, and was not drivable.

After Gale won the bid for $2,105, investigators say he drove the vehicle off the lot, even though the listing said it would need to be towed. An inspection found the listing description to be false, as the vehicle was in functional order. The upgraded wheels were also reinstalled after Gale purchased the vehicle, detectives allege.

Gale is on paid administrative leave with the police department. Valentino, the former Assistant Public Works Director for Upper Southampton Township, is also on administrative leave.

Gale and Valentino were arraigned on Tuesday and released on unsecured bail.