Resident accuses Sahuarita police of corruption; council and manager say due process followed
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Summary
During Call to the Public a resident accused the police department of a culture of corruption and criticized an employee-of-the-year award given to an indicted officer. Town Manager Shane Dilley and staff said outside agencies and the county attorney reviewed the matter and found actions were within policy; the presiding official emphasized the presumption of innocence.
At Call to the Public, resident Noah Sundberg accused the Sahuarita Police Department of "a culture of corruption" and urged council to replace the police chief and hold leadership accountable. Sundberg alleged multiple officers were involved in misconduct, criticized the timing of an employee-recognition award given to an officer who faces an indictment and urged greater transparency.
"You have a culture of corruption, and it starts from your chief," Sundberg said in public comment, and added that he believed multiple officers should be named and investigated.
Town Manager Shane Dilley responded to the charges, saying staff pursued outside reviews and that the county attorney's office and partner agencies examined the matter. Dilley told council the town followed due process and that the outcome was consistent with policy and industry best practices.
"We followed that due process and the outcome not only from the various agencies, but the county attorney's office itself, found that the actions were within policy and were appropriate by way of best practices in the industry," Dilley said.
The presiding official also reminded the room that the legal process includes a presumption of innocence.
Council did not take formal action in response to the public comment; staff indicated they would continue to monitor and, where appropriate, provide follow-up to council and the public.
