Two officers from the Sharon Hill Police Department in Delaware County are now facing criminal charges after prosecutors say they shared confidential information with a known drug dealer, raising serious concerns about trust inside law enforcement and how investigations are protected.
Attorney General Dave Sunday did not hold back, calling the actions a betrayal of both the community and fellow officers who follow their oath. Both men have been suspended without pay, and officials say the case remains active as legal proceedings move forward.
Prosecutors say Vincent Procopio, a detective, and Dominic Dellabarba, a patrolman with the Sharon Hill Police Department, used their positions to pass along sensitive law enforcement information. Authorities allege those actions directly interfered with ongoing drug investigations in Delaware County.
According to court documents, Procopio warned the dealer about known investigations and even identified individuals who might be cooperating with police. Prosecutors say he also accepted cocaine in return, tying the case not just to misconduct, but to personal gain.
Investigators say Dellabarba played a different but still critical role, alerting the dealer about active warrants and law enforcement attention. Officials have not publicly named the dealer, noting the person has provided information, while still facing criminal charges.
Vincent Procopio is facing the most serious charges in the case, including possession with intent to deliver for acting as an accomplice to drug dealing. Prosecutors also charged him with bribery and tampering with physical evidence, pointing to a broader pattern of misconduct.
Authorities say those charges reflect not just what information was shared, but how it was used to benefit a dealer under investigation. Accepting cocaine in exchange, as prosecutors allege, adds a level of personal involvement that increases potential penalties significantly.
Dominic Dellabarba was charged with obstructing the administration of law along with related offenses tied to interfering with investigations. Officials say the charges were filed April 23, and both officers now face pending court proceedings as the investigation continues.
Leaders in Sharon Hill Borough said the charges brought “sorrow and disappointment to our community,” reflecting how deeply cases like this affect public trust. Both officers were suspended without pay, and officials confirmed one has already submitted a resignation.
In a letter released Thursday night, borough leadership said they will fully cooperate with state and county authorities as the case moves forward. They also signaled a review of internal safeguards, oversight measures, and policies to prevent similar situations.
Officials stressed that most officers continue to serve with integrity, but incidents like this can damage confidence across entire departments. They noted that rebuilding trust takes time, especially when misconduct comes from those expected to enforce the law.
Cases like this often spark a wider debate about accountability inside law enforcement, especially when misconduct comes from within. Attorney General Dave Sunday called the actions a “betrayal,” and that language reflects concerns many communities now openly share.
Borough leaders made their position clear in Thursday night’s letter, saying they will cooperate fully while reviewing safeguards to rebuild confidence. They also stressed most officers serve with integrity, yet trust, once shaken, requires consistent action to restore.