Two corrections officers are appealing a Pima County Sheriffβs Department decision to suspend them without pay, after the department says the pair was caught engaging in βlewd behavior,β records show.
Bryan Melton and Alexandra Barajas were suspended Aug. 30, after an investigation revealed βpervasive and inappropriate lewd behaviorβ between the two, according to documents obtained through a public records request.
The departmentβs internal affairs began an investigation in late July, after it was reported that the two were seen βtouching, petting, kissing and holding handsβ while on duty and in front of inmates and staff.
βYou knowingly committed these unprofessional and incongruous actions in full view of juvenile inmates, other staff and on-camera,β Sheriff Chris Nanos wrote in notices of suspension without pay for each officer.
In addition to inappropriate behavior, the document says that the pair also left their assigned posts without permission, missed mandated inmate welfare checks, abused departmental breaks, failed to administer medications and didnβt βproperly, truthfully and completelyβ document records and incidents.
βYou have discredited yourself and this department,β Nanos wrote in the notices.
Meltonβs suspension notice also said that he used unprovoked and unnecessary force on a juvenile inmate and it mentioned βhorseplayβ with more than one female corrections officer.
Barajas and Melton appealed their suspensions with the Pima County Merit System Commission on Sept. 8, and have since filed a motion to consolidate their cases, since they are represented by the same attorney, Mike Storie.
βUntil Iβm able to view the entire investigative report, Iβm not able to assess the case,β Storie said Tuesday, adding that he hasnβt received the internal affairs report from the Sheriffβs Department or merit board.
The hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.
