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2nd union wants probe into perjury charge against Pima County sheriff

Posted at 10:21 PM, Jan 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-23 00:21:57-05

TUCSON, Ariz. — Another union is calling for an outside investigation.

The Pima County Merit Commission overturned a lieutenant's 3-day suspension saying sheriff Mark Napier and his chiefs lied in hearings.

RELATED: Sheriff under fire. Merit Commission finds complicity, perjury

The deputies union (PCDSA) has asked the Pima County Attorney's Office to investigate the perjury charges.

And now the commander's union (PCSCA) is joining in.

In a statement, chairman Gerard Moretz states "the department will benefit from confronting these concerns head on."

We want to note -- the lieutenant in this case is a member of the PCSCA.

Full Statement:

The recent Merit Commission hearings which resulted in the discipline against Lt. Joseph Cameron being overturned have raised other concerns generated from the testimony offered in those meetings. I understand that the Pima County Deputy Sheriff's Association leadership already conveyed their concerns and asked for an investigation of allegations of perjury that were leveled by the Merit Commission panel members.

As chairman of the PCSCA, I recognize and share the concerns generated by these events. I believe one of the key strengths of the Pima County Sheriff's Department has been the trust given to us by the public. This trust is built on earned legitimacy which is generated by transparency and integrity. That is all jeopardized without an objective clearing of the air. That can be accomplished by an unbiased investigation conducted by an agency for whom there is no conflict.

I believe that the Department will benefit from confronting these concerns head on and that an unbiased review can bring restoration to the trust that is necessary for us to be effective in the community.

I am optimistic that we can move forward positively after a full review of perjury allegations has been completed.

Gerard Moretz
Chairman, Pima County Sheriff's Commanders' Association