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Resident alleges delays and special protection in firefighter domestic violence case; council declines comment
Summary
A Henderson resident publicly accused city departments of mishandling a domestic violence complaint against a firefighter, alleging investigatory delays and a culture of protection for public safety employees. The mayor said the council could not comment on the matter during the meeting.
Henderson — During the final public-comment period, resident Justin Bennett accused the Henderson Fire Department, Henderson Police Department and the city attorney's office of delaying and mishandling a domestic violence complaint involving a firefighter.
"This is the mismanagement, delay and inaction surrounding a case of domestic violence committed by a firefighter," Bennett said, identifying himself and giving a ZIP code of 89044. He described three separate instances of alleged physical abuse — including one he characterized as strangulation — and said the complaint was filed May 21. "It's now been 117 days since the victim came forward," he told the council, asserting the case "has been sitting on the desk of the city attorney waiting for a warrant to be issued."
Bennett said the Henderson Police Department's special victims unit investigated but did not interview every witness or collect all available evidence, and he alleged the city's internal response has been insufficient. He also said a video of verbal abuse went viral and that the fire department opened an investigation but had not reached out to the victim.
Bennett offered to provide recordings, admissions and screenshots to support the complaint and said he was willing to testify or provide evidence at a future meeting. "I have all the evidence. I have the recordings. I have the admissions. I will do whatever necessary to help justice get served," he said.
Mayor Michelle Romero responded that the council could not comment on ongoing investigations or personnel matters during the meeting. No further city action or response was provided in the public session.
The comments in the council chamber do not constitute an official finding or public charge; they are the statements of a private citizen delivered during the public-comment period. City departments did not provide additional public comment during the meeting; residents seeking details should direct records or investigative inquiries to the appropriate city offices.
