Former Mesa sergeant accused of sexual harassment allowed to retire
Jan 3, 2020, 10:15 AM | Updated: 2:45 pm
A group of Mesa police officers discuss their claim against the city over sexual harassment charges against a former sergeant on July 18, 2019. (KTAR News Photo/Ali Vetnar)
(KTAR News Photo/Ali Vetnar)
PHOENIX — A former Mesa police sergeant placed on home duty after being accused of sexual harassment has been approved to retire with a full pension.
The Public Safety Local Fire and Police Pension Boards of Mesa unanimously voted Dec. 19 to approve Jeffrey Neese’s retirement application.
Six women and a male officer who said Neese harassed his wife accused Neese of sending sexually explicit text messages and drawing some of them naked.
The group filed a notice of claim (WARNING: explicit images and language), a precursor to a lawsuit, against the city in July.
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“While we find some comfort knowing that Sgt. Neese will no longer be in a position to harass Mesa Police officers, his retirement doesn’t change the systemic issues within the Mesa Police Department or the city of Mesa,” attorney David Lunn said in a statement Friday.
“In fact, it makes matters worse for victims now and in the future. By slow-playing the investigation, the city created a blueprint for other offenders of how to outlast the process so they can receive their full pensions before potentially seeking other employment where they can continue their negative behaviors.”
Lunn also said the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board is awaiting information from the city to determine if Neese is still qualified to work in law enforcement.
The Mesa Police Department did not immediately return a request for comment.
Neese was reassigned to work from home after two women who don’t work for the city came forward with complaints the day after the notice of claim was filed.
He had been removed from the SWAT squad after five officers filed an internal complaint against him in October 2018, and after a sixth complaint, he had been demoted to officer.
The group of officers accused the city of of failing to take appropriate action because Neese remained on the staff. They are seeking more than $1 million, $150,000 per claimant.
Lunn said they have filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and are awaiting a “right to sue” letter so they can file the case in court.
