SOUTHAMPTON, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — A recent grand jury investigation in Bucks County has brought felony charges against an Upper Southampton police officer and former township employee for trying to rig the sales of decommissioned police vehicles so they could purchase them and then flip them for a profit.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has charged 47-year-old Derek Gale and 27-year-old Brandon Valentino with bid rigging and theft. Officials said the conspiracy centers around the sale of two decommissioned police SUVs that were both undervalued in public auctions won by Valentino, who then flipped them both for a significant profit.
In the first instance, prosecutors said a 2014 Ford Explorer had its new aluminum rims removed and its listing before auction said it needed a new engine, among other fixes before being operable. Valentino won the auction and authorities said he re-installed the rims and was found to be in good condition after an inspection before he sold it at a major profit.
Prosecutors said a similar flip happened in April 2025 with another Ford Explorer.
Gale is on paid administrative leave from the police department while Valentino was fired from his job with the township.