FLORENCE, AZ – The Pinal County Sheriff's Office announced Friday that an 18-year sheriff veteran has been placed on paid administrative leave due to possible criminal conduct.
Sheriff Paul Babeu said the decision to place former SWAT Commander, Sgt. Scott Gillen, on leave Tuesday was due to "severe allegations that will be fully investigated, and if found to be true, will not be tolerated."
According to a PCSO news release, "Some of the allegations involved possible criminal wrongdoing and others note internal policy violations."
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will investigate the criminal complaint, according to the release.
"Sgt. Gillen will be afforded due process just as every private citizen expects and deserves," said Babeu. "I will weigh all the facts, once they are known, and take appropriate administrative action. No person is above the law and my staff is held to a higher standard of professionalism."
PCSO also announced that in a separate incident, Commander Joe McAuliffe was placed on administrated leave on July 1, due to a review of an "investigation regarding allegations of deception and failure to disclose pre-employment information."
The release stated that on Friday, "Commander McAullife tendered his resignation providing a two week notice. Sheriff Babeu accepted Commander McAuliffe's resignation but required it be effective immediately."
"All staff shall be held accountable for their actions," said Babeu. "I have shown that I will not tolerate misconduct from any staff and take all allegations regarding employee conduct very seriously. All complaints will be fully investigated and appropriate action will be taken."
