After a wait of nearly a month and a half, Camp Verde Town Manager Russ Martin has released a statement about the investigation into why Camp Verde Marshal Nancy Gardner was placed in administrative leave.
Gardner was placed on leave Oct. 23 for undisclosed reasons. She remains on the payroll. In the interim, CVMO Cmdr. Brian Armstrong is acting as marshal.
“Understanding that this investigation involving Marshal Nancy Gardner has taken longer than I had initially believed it would, I would like to release the name of the organization doing the investigation in hope that it helps everyone involved understand why, as I do now, these things take time,” Martin stated Monday, Dec. 4.
“The Arizona Department of Public Safety agreed to take this on at a limited cost, based on expenses incurred, not charging for their personnel and have been working since the first day to complete this investigation,” Martin said. “I have been impressed with their professionalism and appreciate they understand the important nature of the work they are doing and the desire to get a thorough job done as soon as possible, not only in our situation but others that occur,” Martin said. “I have provided the following as an explanation at this point, and again ask for your patience as I understand this may take a few more weeks to complete, but that again is subject to change.
“In releasing this information it is my intent to explain the time it has taken and again ask that everyone refrain from speculation in this situation.” It is unclear what division of DPS is handling the investigation.
According to DPS, “The Investigations Bureau …. provides assistance to other agencies for case specific needs.”
“I contacted the director’s office and do not know what division handles these,” Martin said, adding that he was referred to “someone” from the director’s office.
“Beyond that I do not have division information.” Martin praised CVMO’s personnel for their professionalism while Gardner is on leave.
