2 Delaware County cops accused of leaking confidential information to drug dealer

SHARON HILL, Pa. (WPVI) -- Two Delaware County police officers have been charged with assisting a drug dealer by allegedly providing confidential law enforcement information.

Vincent Procopio, a detective with the Sharon Hill Police Department, and Domenic Dellabarba, a patrolman with the same department, are each charged with various offenses for their respective conduct in connection with the drug dealer, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Thursday.

Procopio is charged with possession with intent to deliver for acting as an accomplice to the drug-dealing. He is also charged with bribery, tampering with physical evidence, and other offenses related to Procopio's assisting the drug dealer in exchange for cocaine.

Dellabarba is charged with obstructing administration of the law, and other offenses.

Officials say Procopio allegedly told the dealer of any known investigations into their activities, as well as anyone the dealer was working with.

Dellabarba allegedly helped the dealer after finding out there was an investigation, including telling the dealer about any active warrants.

Officials say the dealer, who is facing criminal charges, is not being identified because that person gave information to law enforcement.

Both officers were placed on paid administrative leave when the county's criminal investigation division launched an investigation back in February.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Sharon Hill Police Department released a statement, saying:

"Sharon Hill Borough has been made aware of the criminal charges announced today by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General against Detective Vincent Procopio and Officer Dominic Dellabarba of the Sharon Hill Police Department. These charges bring sorrow and disappointment to our community.

According to the Attorney General's office, the charges allege that confidential law enforcement information was improperly shared with a known drug dealer and that one of the officers received narcotics in exchange for assistance. These allegations are deeply concerning and must be addressed with the utmost seriousness and transparency.

At this stage, these remain allegations, and both individuals are entitled to due process under the law. Sharon Hill Borough respects the legal process and will allow it to move forward appropriately. At the same time, let us be completely clear: Sharon Hill Borough and its officials stand firmly against all unethical, immoral, corrupt, and vile activity that affects the health and well-being of our borough, surrounding communities, and nation.

We have taken swift action. We have already suspended the arrested officers without pay and will take severe action, including termination, of all involved. One officer has tendered his resignation. We will continue to fully cooperate with both the Delaware County District Attorney's Office and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General to ensure justice is served.

Our community has already endured significant pain related to police misconduct in recent years, including the tragic death of 8-year-old Fanta Bility, which deeply impacted residents and families throughout Sharon Hill. Those events required our community to confront difficult realities surrounding accountability, training, and public trust. Today's announcement understandably reopens those concerns for many residents.

Borough leadership will fully cooperate with all state and county authorities involved in this matter and will evaluate whether additional internal safeguards, oversight mechanisms, policy reviews, or operational reforms are necessary to strengthen public confidence moving forward."