Multiple Mesa park rangers resign following misconduct investigation

Multiple Mesa park rangers have resigned from the department following an independent investigation that looked into allegations of misconduct. 

A 263-page independent report found that three rangers with supervisor responsibilities within the unit violated several city workplace policies such as misuse of authority, noncompliance with state and municipal limitations, hostile or inappropriate workplace conduct, and more.

Rangers Charles Miller and Brandon Montez resigned in December prior to dismissal hearings, according to a press release from the city. Both rangers had been on leave since April. 

Ranger Joshua Amado resigned in April. The investigation also found that various leadership officials within the department also failed to follow city directives.

"The 263-page independent investigation report by the law firm Pierce Coleman also concludes that the park ranger unit supervisor, Brett Burton, and Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department Director Andrea Moore and Deputy Director Aimee Manis, respectively, failed to follow city directives, investigate Mesa Police and city management concerns, and take appropriate corrective actions," the release stated. "Department Director Andrea Moore and Deputy Director Aimee Manis retired from the city of Mesa upon receiving the findings of the investigation report. Park Ranger supervisor Brett Burton retired in October while on administrative leave."

The investigation  was conducted by the Mesa Police Department. The city transferred command of the park ranger unit to from PRCF to Mesa PD. 

"There are clear and important distinctions between the roles of police officers and park rangers. Operating under the oversight of the Mesa Police Department, park rangers will focus on enforcing park code and engaging parkgoers to improve their experience across all our cherished green spaces," said Mesa Police Chief Dan Butler in the press release. "The acts of misconduct were isolated to a few bad actors. We are providing current and future unit members with training so they can rise to the occasion and restore public trust."

The city will undergo a recruitment process to select the next PRCF director.  Assistant to the City Manager Andrea Alicoate will serve as the department's acting director in the interim.

For more information, visit Mesa Now.