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Hearing today on Litchfield firing
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The City Council chambers will be used as a courtroom this week, as an appeals court judge will be overseeing the hearing where former Benson Police Officer Darrell Litchfield is challenging his termination.
After a six-month investigation that started last January with a domestic violence call to Litchfield's home, Interim Police Chief Paul Moncada investigated other allegations against Litchfield, who was known in the Benson community for being the K-9 officer with dog Riggs.
While no domestic violence charges were filed against Litchfield, the investigation into his integrity seemed to center more around whether or not he was taking steps to evade the state's speed enforcement cameras.
Several officers with the Benson Police Department and the Arizona Department of Pubic Safety (DPS), gave statements to Moncada, stating Litchfield didn't' agree with the state's speed enforcement cameras and he covered his license plate, and put his visor down to avoid being photographed in Phoenix.
A photograph provided by the Phoenix DPS offices shows that Litchfield is driving with his visor down over his face, and that his license plate is covered.
In April, Litchfield took a polygraph test where he was asked about the allegations that he is evading the cameras.
He answered no to all four questions posed, and the test results came back that he was "deceptive" in all answers.
Litchfield was terminated in July after being on paid administrative leave since January.
Litchfield has filed an appeal to the termination. City Attorney Michael Massee said the city policy states that anyone can appeal a termination, and Litchfield is exercising that right.
Massee said the next step is a hearing, which is being held today (Wednesday), and tomorrow at City Hall.
The hearing is being overseen by former appeals' court judge Jan Smith-Florez. After the city and Litchfield present their sides, Florez will render a decision.
Massee said in such a hearing, the city will present its case on why Litchfield was terminated, and Florez, if there is cause, can overturn that decision, and rule in favor of the former city employee.
The hearings started at City Hall this morning at 9:30 a.m., and are open to the public.
Attempts to reach Litchfield for comment have been unsuccessful.
Litchfield had also been accused of having a bartender at the Riverside Bar in east Benson fill his Circle K cup with liquor while on duty.
However, after an internal affairs investigation conducted by the Sierra Vista Police Department, Moncada said there was insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations.
The City Council chambers will be used as a courtroom this week, as an appeals court judge will be overseeing the hearing where former Benson Police Officer Darrell Litchfield is challenging his termination.
After a six-month investigation that started last January with a domestic violence call to Litchfield's home, Interim Police Chief Paul Moncada investigated other allegations against Litchfield, who was known in the Benson community for being the K-9 officer with dog Riggs.
While no domestic violence charges were filed against Litchfield, the investigation into his integrity seemed to center more around whether or not he was taking steps to evade the state's speed enforcement cameras.
Several officers with the Benson Police Department and the Arizona Department of Pubic Safety (DPS), gave statements to Moncada, stating Litchfield didn't' agree with the state's speed enforcement cameras and he covered his license plate, and put his visor down to avoid being photographed in Phoenix.
A photograph provided by the Phoenix DPS offices shows that Litchfield is driving with his visor down over his face, and that his license plate is covered.
In April, Litchfield took a polygraph test where he was asked about the allegations that he is evading the cameras.
He answered no to all four questions posed, and the test results came back that he was "deceptive" in all answers.
Litchfield was terminated in July after being on paid administrative leave since January.
Litchfield has filed an appeal to the termination. City Attorney Michael Massee said the city policy states that anyone can appeal a termination, and Litchfield is exercising that right.
Massee said the next step is a hearing, which is being held today (Wednesday), and tomorrow at City Hall.
The hearing is being overseen by former appeals' court judge Jan Smith-Florez. After the city and Litchfield present their sides, Florez will render a decision.
Massee said in such a hearing, the city will present its case on why Litchfield was terminated, and Florez, if there is cause, can overturn that decision, and rule in favor of the former city employee.
The hearings started at City Hall this morning at 9:30 a.m., and are open to the public.
Attempts to reach Litchfield for comment have been unsuccessful.
Litchfield had also been accused of having a bartender at the Riverside Bar in east Benson fill his Circle K cup with liquor while on duty.
However, after an internal affairs investigation conducted by the Sierra Vista Police Department, Moncada said there was insufficient evidence to sustain the allegations.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Chastina in SV wrote on Aug 26, 2009 6:39 PM:
" In recent weeks the NewSun in Benson gave much space to accusations that Benson Police Officer Litchfield had alcohol in a soda can or other cup in his squad car. An outside investigation of the matter was conducted by detectives with Sierra Vista Police. One would think the findings of their investigation would be reported with likewise prominent coverage. At least moderate coverage. Instead the only mention of this important finding was reported AT THE VERY END of reporter Grimms latest story about Officer Litchfield's firing. The truth doesn't matter as much to the Newsun as unsubstantiated rumors and allegations. Another lousy job of fair and balanced reporting. The people of Benson deserve better as does the man who was presumed guilty by way of your method of journalism. "
Why bury the pro-Litchfield news wrote on Aug 26, 2009 4:21 PM: