Cottonwood Police Chief Steve Gesell was placed on administrative leave.
In a press release issued Tuesday, May 16, the city of Cottonwood announced Gesell was placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave as of 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 11.
“Gesell was placed on a non-disciplinary administrative leave while certain internal matters are being addressed. Because this process is confidential in nature, the city is unable to provide additional information at this time,” the city statement read.
“Meanwhile, the Cottonwood Police Department continues to deliver a high-level of service to our
community under the oversight of Cmdr. Gareth Braxton-Johnson as the city’s acting chief of police. Any and
all inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to the City Manager’s Office at (928) 634-5526.”
“Situations like this have become commonplace for police chiefs throughout the country,” Gesell said late in the day on May 16. “The decision was made late last week by the deputy city manager seemingly without competent consultation and without council involvement or notification.”
“It’s clearly not my decision. I believe the proper outcome will be reached considering we now have a new city manager who’s first day was Monday of this week,” Gesell said.
Hired in March to replace Ron Corbin, Scotty Douglass took the helm as the new Cottonwood city manager on Monday, May 15.
Gesell started as Cottonwood’s police chief on Jan. 20, 2016. Gesell came to Cottonwood from San Luis Obispo, Calif., where he previously served as chief of police.
On July 31, 2017, Gesell was appointed Mingus Union High School District Governing Board member, replacing Robb Williams, who resigned when he moved out of the school district. Gesell’s term lasted until Dec. 31, 2018, when Carol Anne Teague defeated Jason Finger to finish the last two years of Williams’ term.
Gesell launched a campaign as a Republican for Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 1 in January 2022 but announced May 3, that he was quitting the race.
