Austin, PA Police chief busted for stealing pot

The police chief of the borough of Austin resigned Tuesday and is jailed today after being arrested for allegedly stealing two pounds of marijuana.

Shawn Henry Foringer, 26, allegedly stole the marijuana from the Austin Borough Police Station and reported that it was stolen during a burglary last Thursday, according to Coudersport-based State Police.


Officials said Foringer was suspended from his position Monday and was charged Tuesday with violation of the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and theft by unlawful taking, both felonies. He also was charged with making false reports to law enforcement officials and was remanded to Potter County Jail in Coudersport in lieu of $50,000. Officials said today that Foringer had not posted bail and remained in jail.


Trooper Scott Henry, a public information officer for the Pennsylvania State Police in Mansfield, said he believes Foringer had worked for the Austin Police Department for approximately three years.


He said Foringer was cooperative with investigators after it was discovered that he had falsely reported that the marijuana had been stolen during a burglary at the department.


Foringer had initially reported the burglary to Austin Borough Mayor Albert Gledhill late Wednesday and that information was relayed to the State Police Thursday.


“It’s a very tough situation, it’s bad enough when it’s a normal situation ... but when you have a law enforcement perspective, it’s very difficult,” Tpr. Henry said today.

This just amazes me how some people can be sooooooo stupid, especially in a small town and believe me, I've been to that town, good ole Austin, PA and it's small. I just chuckle over the "duh" ness of this all. I have a high respect for police officers in general and yes I do know there are crooked ones out there. I wonder how much there was? Was he the local pot dealer in town?