Independent investigation finds city administrator did not retaliate
Former city administrator Greg Wilkinson is speaking out following the results of an investigation done by a Yuma law firm on whether he retaliated against a Yuma police officer.
Henry Valenzuela, the Yuma Police Department ( YPD ) sworn supervisor of the year, also known as ” The Guy with the Calculator ” actually called for the investigation.
Then the City of Yuma turned things over to the Hunt, Walsma , and Gale law firm.
The results found Wilkinson did nothing wrong.
The findings concluded Wilkinson’s decision to not award Valenzuela the YPD award was not retaliatory and did not cause material harm to Valenzuela.
” I knew that’s the way it would come out. There were always false allegations that came out. I think the important to remember how this all started, ” said Wilkinson.
Meanwhile, Valenzuela said he’s not happy with the results of the investigation.
“I was disappointed,” said Valenzuela.
Valenzuela claimed the independent investigator, local attorney Pamela Walsm , still didn’t address all the concerns he wanted to be looked into.
After months of back and forth between Valenzuela and Wilkinson, Valenzuela was ultimately awarded the sworn supervisor of the year award, after Wilkinson made the decision to retire.
Wilkinson said he made the decision with the City of Yuma in mind.
“I thought it was probably time that I retire and maybe it would come back a little bit , but you also have to remember they weren’t after me, they were after the mayor and council,” said Wilkinson.
When News 11 asked Wilkinson if he could go back in time if he would award Valenzuela, he said he wouldn’t change his decision.
” You cannot have a police officer lying to the public, lying to his other officers, threatening the council members… I gave them to you in writing. They threatened the council, they asked for the mayor’s resignation, ” said Wilkinson.
Valenzuela said he did not violate any policies or send any inappropriate emails while on the job.
