Somerton ex-police chief allowed officers to use city vehicles off the clock

Former Somerton Police Chief Joseph Turitto admitted to News 11 that he did allow officers to travel to the Phoenix-area in police vehicles to perform off-duty work.

The City of Somerton began an investigation into the misuse of taxpayer dollars by the Somerton Police Department (SPD) after receiving an anonymous letter detailing the allegation, according to Ian McGaughey, city manager of Somerton.

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

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 an hour to supplement their income,” explained Turitto.

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

Mayor Anaya confirmed that Turitto brought the issue up to council.

“We strive to be competitive and if you survey small cities like Somerton, which has limited tax revenue. $2 million in tax revenue that’s not too much to support all of the general fund departments,” explained Mayor Anaya.

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 in pay issue within SPD.