Mother Mags, and others, feel free to post another diary on the topic. I just couldn’t pass on the opportunity to share this story.
Local TV, KTVK Channel 3, posted the story and video on azfamily.com today. I’m hoping that long delayed justice does not again end up as justice denied. Long time residents of Maricopa County have seen several investigations of the Sheriff’s Office start and fizzle for the lack of political will, or "lack of evidence".
more below the fold
Chief Deputy David Hendershott is a long term political ally, and employee, of Sheriff Arpaio. I would have to do some research to confirm that he is the same man that was allowed to retire, keep his pension, and be rehired into a paid position at the Sheriff’s Office. If so, many thought it was morally, if not legally unethical at the time. (Feel free to confirm or clarify in your remarks)
Strange isn’t it that an aide to Arpaio is credited with requesting the investigation of Chief Deputy Hedershott, Deputy Chief Larry Black and Capt. Joel Fox for engaging in similar inappropriate behavior? Could it be a calculated move by Arpaio to refocus the FBI investigation toward his own henchmen?
The article notes that all three under investigation are on leave. Hendershott is on paid medical leave, and the other two on administrative leave. Does this mean they will get to keep the pay if they are indicted? Surely, the Sheriff should know if there is evidence of misconduct that mandates firing.
http://www.azfamily.com/...
by Catherine Holland
azfamily.com
Posted on September 21, 2010
......................
David Hendershott is currently on medical leave, but his access to his official MCSO email account has been suspended, along with his taxpayer-funded car and phone.
The investigation was sparked by an internal memo that was written last month and made public last week.
In that memo, Deputy Chief Frank Munnell accused Hendershott of misconduct and mismanagement, saying that he has engaged in unethical and illegal behavior. Arpaio gave Hendershott, who has been in upper management at MCSO since the '90s, control over the day-to-day operations of the department back in 2008. Munnell believes, among other things, that Hendershott has created a hostile work environment at the MCSO, seriously damaging morale at the agency.
...........
The memo was also turned over to the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office, both of which are looking into alleged abuses of power.
In addition to Hendershott, Munnell's memo also accused Deputy Chief Larry Black and Capt. Joel Fox of engaging in similar inappropriate behavior. Both Black and Fox were placed on administrative leave last week.