City of Somerton announces interim police chief

Somerton City Council announced who will be representing the police department as interim police chief Tuesday night.

The city council unanimously decided to appoint Lieutenant Araceli Juarez to the position, according to Somerton City Manager Ian McGaughey.

The decision comes after the former Somerton Police Chief Joseph Turitto resigned Thursday after less than a year in the position.

Turitto claimed the investigation did influence his decision to step down but defended his position on the investigation.

He admitted to News 11 that he did allow officers to take police vehicles to the Phoenix-area to perform off-duty work.

However, he said the officers paid for their own gas.

Mayor Gerardo Anaya said whether gas was used on the city’s dime is under investigation.

Turitto explained he allowed officers to perform off-duty work because of the low pay officers receive.

“The officers are getting $19.06 an hour. Officers that have been there for 10 years are getting paid $19.86 an hour which is totally unsatisfactory. So these officers were able to come here, make anywhere from 40 to 60 dollars per hour to supplement their income,” explained Turitto.

He added some of his officers cannot afford to put clothes on their families’ backs or take them out to enjoy a meal.

Mayor Anaya claimed Turitto did not properly inform the City of Somerton he was allowing officers to participate in the program.

The mayor also adding that the council is working to address the closeness is pay issue.