A recent Grand Jury investigation led to felony charges against an Upper Southampton Township Police Officer and a former public works employee in a criminal conspiracy involving bid rigging and theft of township vehicles.

Derek J. Gale and Brandon F. Valentino, formerly the Assistant Public Works Director with the township, were found to have conspired to intentionally lower the value of decommissioned township vehicles to secure them at a reduced price through the Municibid auction website. The scheme involved two Ford Explorer vehicles previously used by the Upper Southampton Township Police Department.

Gale, 47, of Morrisville, and Valentino, 27, of Chalfont, were charged with bid rigging, theft by deception, criminal conspiracy to commit theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, criminal conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking, theft by receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy to commit theft by receiving stolen property. They were arraigned on Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge Brian M. Marriott and released on unsecured bail.

Gale is currently on paid administrative leave with the police department and Valentino was also placed on administrative leave from his public works position.

The investigation by Bucks County Detectives found that Gale and Valentino misrepresented the condition of a 2014 green Ford Explorer to lower its auction value. Prior to listing the vehicle on Municibid, they removed the upgraded aluminum rims. The listing claimed the vehicle needed a new engine, had a water pump leak, and would need to be towed.

Testimony from Bucks County Detectives revealed that after the vehicle was purchased by Valentino for $1,005, it was inspected and found to be in good working order with its original engine, no water pump leak, and was determined to be drivable. Valentino later reinstalled the upgraded rims and sold the vehicle for a significantly higher price.

A year later, in April 2025, the same pattern of activity occurred with a 2013 gray Ford Explorer. The investigation found that Gale removed the upgraded rims from this vehicle before it was listed on Municibid. The listing described the vehicle as needing a new battery, a new rack and pinion, and a water pump, and claimed it would need to be towed.

After Gale won the bid for $2,105, he drove the vehicle off the lot. An inspection revealed that the vehicle was in good condition, started without issue, and its steering and water pump were functional. The upgraded aluminum rims were later found to have been re-installed on the vehicle after Gale took possession.

This case was investigated by Bucks County Detectives Dante Montella and Tim Fuhrmann, along with the Bucks County 21^st Investigating Grand. This case is assigned for prosecution to Deputy District Attorney Chad Kovack.

Media Contact: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org.

Criminal charges are allegations subject to proof in court. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.