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The Kearny Police Department is at the center of controversy and a recall drive against Mayor Sam Hosler. James Carnes | CBN
Last Tuesday, following a 15-minute executive session meeting, the Kearny Town Council voted in public session unanimously to allow Interim Chief Richard Corso to remain the interim chief with pay, pending the completion of an investigation regarding allegations made against Corso. Corso was placed on an administrative leave with pay on Monday, July 6. The council also voted unanimously to work with DPS to have a temporary interim police chief come to the town through the investigation. Supporters opposing this decision have taken out petitions to recall Mayor Sam Hosler.
Supporters of Corso distributed a letter that the Town issued to Corso on Facebook. That letter indicated that Corso was being placed on administrative leave because there were reports that Corso was unable to cover his shifts due to alcohol use and that he had made threats to “get rid of” the Mayor, Town Manager and Council. The letter does not disclose who reported the allegations. Comments have been made to both the Copper Basin News and through the Kearny “Rants and Raves” Facebook page say that the allegations were made to the town administration from an officer who is currently under investigation for another matter.
The details regarding Corso’s administrative leave would not normally be shared with the public due to privacy given in personnel matters. There has been discussion that a disgruntled police officer currently employed at Kearny Police made these allegations, unconfirmed due to the confidentiality involved and the pending investigation. Another comment made was the officer making the allegations was also under investigation. It is possible for a sworn police officer or staff to be under investigation and still be allowed to work for the department.
Town Manager Anna Flores explained to Copper Basin News that the town cannot comment on the investigation of Corso or if another officer is under investigation due to the pending investigation involving personnel matters. The Department of Public Safety is conducting the investigation of Corso. DPS has assured the town that there is no threat to the security or safety of the town pending the investigation. There has not been a timeline given for when the investigation should be completed.
DPS has assigned Sgt. David Blue as the interim chief. Sgt. Blue was sent to Kearny last year when Chief Inguilli retired. Flores also explained that Sgt. Blue will not play a role in the investigation.
In protest of the investigation and the actions of town administration, supporters of Corso have taken out a recall petition on Mayor Sam Hosler. Recall organizers have until Nov. 3 to collect 139 signatures of registered voters in Kearny. The signatures will have to be verified and approved by the Town Clerk and the Pinal County Elections department. Once signatures are approved the council will have to call for a recall election, and set the date for an election.
Supporters of Corso, started to become more vocal at council meetings in June when several community members asked for Corso to be hired as the chief. In June, the town council voted to keep Corso as the interim chief and would continue to review his performance.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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