Continued Issues with McKeesport Police Department
- takeactionmonvalle
- Feb 11
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Please see below for updates, background, our demands, the boycott information, and how you can help. Each section is labeled. For TAAG's sign-on letter and toolkit, visit TAAG McKeesport Police Violence Sign on Letter & Toolkit - Google Docs, and to sign TAAG-McKeesport Police Violence Sign on Letter. To be involved or sign up for TAAG's newsletter, visit our home page on the website, or sign up for our chapter on the events page!
TAAG Advocacy Updates
(section continued below with information from the last few months):
September 1, 2025
In July, TAAG attended the McKeesport City Council meeting and continued to speak out about holding police accountable. In addition, there was no council meeting in August (they take a break), so we attended the annual event, International Village, wearing some shirts with a message (see below). Our goal there was to bring the boycott to the PEOPLE. Specifically, since Mr. Stinson’s case, outrage died down fast.
People ignored the boycott, blamed us for the police’s actions, and still attended city events (despite the boycott to not attending city events, etc.). Meanwhile, we held rallies, attended city council meetings, and Know Your Rights sessions, often with little turnout. Also, TAAG pulled from a Juneteenth event when others chose to partner with the City. Therefore, we showed up at International Village. It felt necessary, especially with how inconsistent support has been. We came to start conversations about the boycott, police violence & make folks uncomfortable. And people are finally talking again. Mission accomplished!
Our demands for wanting a police review board, etc., have been clear from the start (see below for more demands). TAAG will continue to address this until our demands are met. Join us for this month's activities:
Wednesday, September 3, 2025: TAAG Community Rally at 6:15 PM on the sidewalk in front of 201 Lysle Blvd in McKeesport & City Council meeting 7:00 PM.
September 2025: TAAG Community Canvassing
What Happened/Background:
TAAG has been working to address issues with the McKeesport police since our
creation in 2014. Since then, we have received various complaints involving the McKeesport police and local community members of color, particularly concerning excessive force and abuse of power. In 2023, TAAG, along with the ACLU, filed a lawsuit against McKeesport for unlawfully seizing our community and conducting illegal searches while searching for the person who shot one of their officers. This is not a new occurrence or a result of new "rogue" officers; it is an ongoing issue in which the McKeesport police continue to use excessive force and demonstrate an abuse of power. See below for a timeline of just a few of these incidents. All of this information comes from news articles, community members, and public legal records.
2014-2019 - Various lawsuits were filed against the City of McKeesport Police for excessive force at McKeesport Hospital, during traffic stops, and other interactions with Black and other marginalized community members.
2020 - McKeesport Police Officer Jerry Athans was shot by Koby Francis. The police responded by unlawfully seizing our community and conducting illegal searches with Black residents in their pursuit of Mr. Francis. A lawsuit was filed for this in December of 2023.
2021- The ACLU and TAAG filed a lawsuit to gain access to council meetings after the doors were locked when we came to speak about the response to an officer-involved shooting in 2020. We won the lawsuit and were able to speak at city council meetings.
2022 - A Black female officer (Candace Tyler) filed a lawsuit for discrimination in hiring practices.
2023 - An officer-involved shooting occurred in which Johnathan Morris shot and killed Officer Sean Sluganski and wounded another officer following a domestic call regarding mental health. The police were criticized for their response to Mr. Morris, who was experiencing a mental health episode.
2023- ACLU and TAAG filed a lawsuit for what occurred in 2020.
2024 - The McKeesport police evidence room was placed under investigation, and former McKeesport police officer Joseph Osinsk (terminated due to the charges) was arrested for stealing money from a slain officer's fund, etc.
2025 - Two high-profile arrests went viral, showcasing excessive force (see below for more information).
2025- Another Black officer (Julian Thomas) filed a lawsuit for discrimination in hiring and promotion practices.
Latest Incidents:
The most recent incidents occurred with a traffic stop and a call for two neighbors disputing (videos below). The traffic stop was with a Black family, Antwan Peterson and Lashay Teasley. They reported to TAAG that a few weeks ago (February 2025), a McKeesport police officer (Parker Scherf) pulled over the father, a Black man, due to an issue with his license plate. He complied with the officer’s instructions, but the officers became impatient. This resulted in them shouting and forcefully pulling him out of the car while pointing a gun at his back. The incident occurred in front of their home, prompting his partner to come outside to see what was happening. The family reported that the police were aggressive with her as well, breaking down the door to enter the home. Additionally, their eight-year-old son was present during the incident.
Despite all of this, the police made no arrests! Instead, they charged both parents and left the family to deal with the trauma. The family is currently working with attorneys, but they face a long road ahead in dealing with the emotional trauma and the financial burden of repairing their door, hiring attorneys, and missing work for court appearances, among other issues.
Another incident occurred on Sunday, March 8th, 2025, involving a Black McKeesport resident, Callie Stinson Sr. Police were called by a community member who witnessed the disagreement. When the police arrived, the two individuals were arguing, and they claimed that Mr. Stinston ignored their commands to stop yelling and other directives. The police asserted that they attempted to calm him down, but they said he resisted. As a result, they pinned him down and placed their knees on his neck and head. Mr. Stinston, a 72-year-old man, suffered a traumatic injury, resulting in double fractures from the fourth to the ninth ribs. There is no excuse to use excessive force on an elderly man. This incident involved three officers: Richard Dell, Nicholas Probola, and Anthony Ledonne.
These are just a few examples concerning the McKeesport Police Department. While we recognize the humanity of all individuals, including the officers involved who were shot or injured, we cannot excuse the behavior of the McKeesport police.
Black people and other residents of color in McKeesport are frightened and, at times, feel they are being targeted by their police force. Although these issues are not unique to small communities and are occurring elsewhere, they highlight significant problems that must be addressed. Furthermore, the realities of the Black experience with police and structural systems in McKeesport must be acknowledged, and TAAG will not shy away from doing this. Due to these instances, we have serious concerns about community safety when interacting with the police and have specific demands.
Demands:
It should be noted that TAAG met with the Mayor and Police Chief on February 25th to address these issues. They communicated that they would not be looking into the actions of the officer regarding the traffic stop (despite our objections). However, they may be open to hearing more about a police review board as well as having mental health professionals respond alongside the police. We reached out after the most recent incident but received no response. While we are not surprised that more instances have occurred, their responses have been similar to what they communicated during the meeting.
For instance, the City of McKeesport's Mayor and Police Chief have responded to the most recent incidents by saying that they don't feel their officers did anything wrong and will not be asking for an outside agency to investigate. Therefore, we are asking the community to support the following demands:
Release Body Cam Videos and Terminate Officers:
Release the body cam videos from the most recent incidents and terminate the officers involved. Specifically, Richard Dell, Nicholas Probola, and Anthony Ledonne were involved in the arrest of Callie Stinson Sr. Additionally, Officer Parker Scherf was involved in the traffic stop involving Antwan Peterson.
Demand A Local Police Review Board & Mental Health Responders Doing Calls with Police:
The City of McKeesport Police should opt into the Allegheny County Police Review Board or start their own. In addition, they should engage in programs where mental health professionals can respond with the police, such as CAHOOTS.
Defund The Police/Divest and Invest
The City of McKeesport Police should defund the police budget by divesting 10% or more from their budget and investing those funds back into the community via a foundation grant program (separate from the City of McKeesport). The foundation could provide grants to community groups working on violence prevention and offer scholarships to youth.
How You Can Help:
Boycott Community Activities w/City of McKeesport and Police Department:
In our opinion, at times, the City utilizes local Black people and other people of color to give off an image that they care and are making efforts to improve conditions. They present an image of diversity without making meaningful efforts toward inclusion or accessibility. In addition, they also weaponize these events against us, refusing to help if we speak up and causing division as well. We must stop letting them do this.
Boycotting city-hosted community events will not only raise awareness about these issues but also impact their finances. This strategy can effectively communicate our demands and pressure them to take meaningful action.
TAAG is asking residents and community members who live in McKeesport to not participate in City-sponsored activities such as Good Neighbor Day, International Village, Concerts in the Park, and Rib Fest etc. Also, please avoid public-facing events with the City. If you are an ally who doesn’t live in the City, we are asking that you also refuse to participate, etc.
Support TAAG Monthly Activities
TAAG will host an event once a month to target this effort. Please note that TAAG has chapters that meet monthly to address these issues. To be involved directly, please join our chapter or support us as a community or organization supporter.
Call/Email Local Elected Officials:
McKeesport is a home rule charter community. The charter grants the Mayor power over the police department. While some city council members sit on the personnel committee, where some decisions are made regarding police, the union also occasionally intervenes with their involvement. Calling and emailing the Mayor's office to reiterate our demands is crucial. Additionally, reach out to council members to encourage them to engage the Mayor and the personnel committee members. Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala, Jr. can also get involved and charge the officers, etc. See below for everyone's contact information!
Mayor:
Michael Cherepko
Phone: 412-675-5020
mike.cherepko@mckeesport-pa.gov
Council:
Richard Dellapenna-Council President
LuEthel Nesbit- Council Vice President
Brian Evans-Councilman
James Barry Jr.-Councilman
Jill Lape-Councilwoman
Keith Soles-Councilman
Amber Webb-Councilwoman
-To reach the council via email message, contact the City Clerk at annette.james@mckeesport-pa.gov.
Phone: 412-675-5020 ext.603
Stephen Zappala, Jr.
stephen.zappala@da.allegheny.pa.us
412-350-4401
News Articles/Supporting Information:
McKeesport community outraged as 72-year-old Black man beaten during arrest | New Pittsburgh Courier
McKeesport residents demand answers at meeting following viral video of arrest – WPXI
Crowd Presses City on Man’s Arrest, Reform - Tube City Almanac
Former McKeesport police captain accused of stealing $260K from evidence room
McKeesport detective charged with stealing more than $1 million from FOP union lodge - CBS Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)
11 Investigates: Audit of local police department uncovers money missing from evidence locker – WPXI
McKeesport police's evidence room at center of investigative audit - CBS Pittsburgh
Ex-McKeesport detective charged with stealing $1 million from police union | TribLIVE.com
McKeesport mayor arrested in Nashville on public intoxication, trespassing charges - CBS Pittsburgh
Former AG agent arrested and charged with stealing from office, NAACP
*Videos/Trigger Warning*:
1). Video from neighbor dispute (posted with the family's permission).
Click either link to view the video!
2). Traffic Stop/Video from the family's Facebook page (posted with their permission):
TAAG Advocacy Updates Continued
May 1, 2025
It has been communicated to us that one of the officers involved in Mr. Stinson's incident has left the department. He wasn’t fired; he just chose to leave. We don’t know if he left to take another job or not. Once we find out, we will update everyone. As far as we know, all of the officers still have their jobs. Moreover, TAAG is aware that there has been talk about the City of McKeesport supporting Juneteenth activities with monetary donations or event space, etc. TAAG just wants to reiterate that Juneteenth is NOT WHAT WE ASKED FOR. Our demands for wanting a police review board, etc., have been clear from the start (see below for more on the demands). TAAG will continue to address this until our demands are met. Join us for this month's activities: -
May 6th: TAAG Community Rally at 6 PM on the sidewalk in front of 201 Lysle Blvd in McKeesport.
May 13th: Townhall at McKeesport Presbyterian Church from 6-8 PM on voter engagement and the charter. Candidates from the school board and council will be invited to speak.
May 19th: Know Your Rights event at McKeesport Library from 4:30-6 PM.
McKeesport City Council Meeting Report Back (April 2, 2025):
TAAG and our supporters attended the McKeesport Council meeting on April 2nd. The Mayor gave the city's position on the recent viral video of McKeesport police assaulting an elderly man. He stated that it was the ground and sidewalk that caused the bruises on the gentleman’s face. Furthermore, he mentioned that the city, in connection with the FBI, conducted an investigation and concluded that the officers did nothing wrong.
Additionally, he noted that the police were placed on paid leave during the investigation, but they are now back on the streets. He added that after the police handcuffed the gentleman, everyone was “respectful” and that they want the body cam video released to demonstrate the officers’ compassion after the gentleman became “respectful”. Lastly, he mentioned that they would be collaborating with the McKeesport NAACP to organize youth and community events. He mentioned them by name at least six times. Their explanation is, of course, ridiculous. We think it’s important to note some of their responses to see where white supremacy showed up and continues to do so in McKeesport:
-The ground and sidewalk caused the bruises on the gentleman’s face. They will be collaborating with the McKeesport NAACP to organize youth and community events, referencing them by name at least six times.
· This is, of course, a ridiculous claim, but the most offensive thing is that they think folks will listen to this. Also, the NAACP was mentioned a few times. This is a way to say no, we love Black people because we have Black friends. They are being used to make it look like this. This is the main reason why we put out the boycott against city events. Additionally, when communities hold events with the police, especially those involving youth, it should be noted that these events are often used for surveillance purposes as well.
· In our opinion, at times, the City utilizes local Black people and other people of color to give off an image that they care and are making efforts to improve conditions. They present an image of diversity without making meaningful efforts toward inclusion or accessibility. In addition, they also weaponize these events against us, refusing to help if we speak up and causing division as well. We must stop letting them do this.
- He mentioned that the city, in connection with the FBI, conducted an investigation and concluded that the officers did nothing wrong.
· The practice of police investigating the police is not acceptable. Additionally, the FBI has a horrible record in the Black community, and they are still law enforcement. There is no objectivity when police investigate police! They also put the officers on paid leave for a few days, but they are back on the streets. TAAG’s demand to terminate the officers still stands as a matter of community safety.
- He added that after the police handcuffed the gentleman, everyone was “respectful”. Furthermore, they want the body cam video to be released to demonstrate the officers’ compassion after the gentleman became “respectful.”
This is the false theory that if Black people are respectful towards the police, they won’t harm us. The myth of respectability politics is not true. Police have arrested unruly white people, and they made it out alive with no bruises. This narrative is used to make us believe that if we are respectable, everything will be okay, and for some reason, we do not deserve to be treated with dignity unless we meet those standards of respectability.
TAAG Townhall Update March 21, 2025:
Thanks to everyone who came out to our Town Hall on March 20th. It was a great community conversation about police accountability, civic engagement, and community safety. At the meeting, we mentioned some community resources, our demands, and how you can help. See below for more. To get involved or sign up for TAAG's newsletter, visit our home page on the website or sign up for our chapter on the events page.
-Community Resources (shared at the Townhall):
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