After an eight-month external independent investigation into its Park Ranger unit, the City of Mesa is implementing a series of personnel corrective actions to address findings of isolated misconduct and restore public trust. The investigation found that three park rangers with supervisor responsibilities within the unit violated several City of Mesa workplace policies, including misuse of authority, noncompliance with state and municipal limitations on park rangers, hostile or inappropriate workplace conduct, insufficient documentation, and repeated disregard of City directives.

Upon receipt of the external independent investigation report, Mesa initiated a process to dismiss from employment Rangers Charles Miller and Brandon Montez. Both ranger leads had been on leave since late April and resigned last week prior to their dismissal hearing. Ranger Joshua Amado resigned before his termination hearing on April 28, at the onset of a Mesa Police investigation over the alleged possession of a stolen firearm.

"Our community's trust matters, and the results of this investigation are unacceptable and do not reflect the values or expectations of the City of Mesa," said Mayor Mark Freeman. "Our priority now is rebuilding that trust and ensuring our Park Ranger program meets the high standards our community expects."

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 (PRCF) 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.

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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.

"Mesa took this matter seriously from day one. This investigation made clear that a few bad actors within the Park Ranger unit violated city policies and oversight systems needed to be stronger," said City Manager Scott Butler. "Mesa is committed to full transparency, to learning from these findings and to ensuring our parks are supported by a unit that operates lawfully, respectfully and in service to our community."

Mesa Police initiated an investigation after a newly hired park ranger reported serious concerns about potential misconduct within the Park Ranger Unit. The employee disclosed finding an unreported firearm in a supervisor's desk, observing inappropriate workplace language and witnessing unauthorized activities such as late-night ride-alongs and questionable training practices. He also reported hearing discussions suggesting the possibility of improper handling of evidence. These disclosures were brought to a supervisor's attention on April 11, 2025, prompting immediate notification to Mesa Police and the submission of a formal complaint to Human Resources. Based on the seriousness of the allegations and corroborating information, the City launched a comprehensive external independent investigation.

Since allegations of misconduct surfaced in April of this year, the City transferred command of the Park Ranger Unit from PRCF to the Mesa Police Department to ensure appropriate supervision and professional standards are upheld. Six park rangers were placed on administrative leave during the investigation. Four Rangers have resigned from the unit and Brett Burton retired prior to case resolution.

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Six active park rangers have continued working under Police Department oversight. Their duties currently include opening and closing designated parks, facilities and amenities within parks. All active personnel have undergone extensive training with the Mesa Police Department in the areas of de-escalation, search and seizure, and bias training with high expectations of appropriate conduct.

"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. "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 Mesa Police Department has met with community stakeholders and gathered input to ensure the revamped Mesa Park Ranger unit reflects their priorities. Mesa Police plan to introduce it to the community in the coming weeks.

Additionally, the City of Mesa will begin a recruitment process to select the next PRCF Director. During this transition, Assistant to the City Manager, Andrea Alicoate, will serve as the department's acting director.

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