The Arizona Attorney General's Office has concluded an inquiry into accusations that Gilbert police improperly withheld and destroyed public records. The town's police department announced the closure of the probe on July 3.
Brenda Carrasco, a spokesperson for the Gilbert Police Department, stated that the Attorney General’s Office determined the allegations were unsubstantiated. The investigation was initiated after Gilbert police referred the matter to the state in February to ensure an impartial review.
The case originated from a police report filed by Charisia Arnold on December 15. Arnold alleged criminal misconduct by Gilbert Town Clerk Chaveli Herrera, with probable involvement by Town Attorney Chris Payne, Town Manager Patrick Banger, and other town officials. Arnold claimed she possessed overwhelming evidence that state statutes had been violated.
Arnold had requested public records and body camera footage related to a sexual assault investigation involving her daughter. She argued that the footage should have been preserved because her public records request was submitted before the retention deadline. However, the footage was deleted before the request could be fulfilled.
Carrasco noted that the investigation supported the Town’s initial assessment that the file deletions resulted from an administrative error. Gilbert is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Queen Creek.
