No Charges For Phoenix Cop Accused Of Threatening Mayor

PHOENIX — No charges will be filed against a Phoenix police officer accused of threatening the mayor if she tried to defund the police, the county attorney's office said.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said Tuesday that it had reviewed the case and could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Steven Poulos' statements about Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego constituted a "true threat."

Under Arizona law, a "true threat" is when a statement made would be seen by others as a serious expression of intending to inflict harm or property damage.

"While the statements are inexcusable, legal precedent prevents a reasonable likelihood of conviction at trial and therefore, we are declining to file criminal charges in this case," the statement read.

Poulos' statements about Gallego were made in October. The Phoenix Police Department previously told Patch that it was conducting an internal investigation while the Tempe Police Department handled the criminal investigation into Poulos. The officer was assigned to home while the investigation took place. Gallego was given additional security as a result.

The Phoenix Police Department recently told 12 News that Officer Poulos is still on administrative leave and the internal investigation is still underway. That investigation is separate from the criminal investigation and will determine his future with the department.

The Phoenix police did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

According to a police report obtained by 12 News, a Phoenix police sergeant said he heard Poulos say, “If the mayor defunds the police, I’m going to shoot her.”

According to the report, five other officers were also in the briefing room at the Black Mountain precinct. They say Poulos threatened to shoot up Gallego’s house. The sergeant reported the statements after he said Poulos doubled down, calling his threat "a promise." Other officers told Tempe police investigators they weren't sure he intended to act on his words.

Gallego has been mayor since March 2019 and won re-election Nov. 3. She voted with the Phoenix City Council in June to increase the Phoenix Police Department budget.

Jeanine L'Ecuyer, the mayor's director of communications, told Patch that Gallego is disappointed in the decision but hopes it does not discourage anyone from speaking out when they hear something inappropriate.

"Mayor Gallego is disappointed," L'Ecuyer said. "She appreciates the sergeant who made the initial report. The mayor hopes this decision won’t discourage anyone from reporting a threat. It is important to speak up, be heard and be taken seriously."