(WHTM)-- Criminal charges have been filed against a Pennsylvania town's former police chief after he was allegedly caught stealing money in a sting operation, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.

The AG's Office said former Arnold Police Department Chief Joshua Stanga, 41, is being charged with theft, evidence tampering, and obstruction.

In response to misconduct allegations against Stanga, the Office of Attorney General agents and Pennsylvania State Police conducted a professional integrity test in August, placing $300 in cash and placebo OxyContin pills in an abandoned vehicle in Arnold.

Officials called in an abandoned vehicle, to which Stanga responded and allegedly stole most of the money before filing a false report.

Stanga's report to state police only included recovering the pills and $35, according to the AG's Office.

"This defendant is charged with offenses that betray the trust of the community which he was sworn to serve and the many officers who perform their duties every day with bravery and integrity," Attorney General Henry said. "As we do in every investigation, we followed the facts. Here, those facts lead to the defendant being charged, regardless of rank or position."

Since his charges in mid-August, Stanga has been on administrative leave from the department. Following his arraignment, he was released without being required to post bail, the AG's Office said.

A preliminary hearing is set to take place on Oct. 3.