Phoenix Police Fired, Demoted After Forcing Teenager To Eat Marijuana
Three Phoenix police officers have resigned and another demoted after allegations they forced a 19-year-old to eat marijuana.
During an overnight traffic stop earlier in September, officers reportedly discovered about a gram of the drug in the man's car and gave him a choice: eat it or go to jail.
On Thursday, Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner made some of the details public.
“Both investigations internally and criminally are currently underway. Two of the former officers have been identified as suspects in the criminal investigation," Yahner said. "This conduct is contrary to everything we stand for.”
Yahner would not provide details about the possible criminal charges. All three officers were in their first year with the department.
The officers' body cameras were turned off during the incident. It came to light after the man who was stopped told an investigator what happened.
“Their actions are appalling, unacceptable and they are no longer members of our organization," Yahner said.
A lieutenant, Jeff Farrior, has also been demoted for failing to report the matter sooner. Yahner said he was planning to fire the officers, but they resigned first.
The names of the three officers are Richard G. Pina, Jason E. McFadden and Michael J. Carnicle.
