THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE WAS SENT OUT FROM JUDICIAL WATCH ON
AUGUST 31, 2009
JW Calls on Arizona AG to File Lawsuit to Stop Phoenix Police Chief from Receiving Illegal Pension Benefits
If Attorney General Fails to Act, Judicial Watch will File a Lawsuit on Behalf of Arizona Taxpayers and Former and Active Duty City of Phoenix Police Officers
Contact Information:
Press Office 202-646-5172, ext 305
Washington, DC — August 31, 2009
Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it sent a letter on August 27, 2009 requesting that Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard file a lawsuit against the Phoenix Police Pension Board, its five members, and City of Phoenix Chief of Police Jack F. Harris to enjoin the illegal payment of pension benefits to Chief Harris. Judicial Watch informed Attorney General Goddard that if he fails to act on this request Judicial Watch will file a lawsuit on behalf of Arizona taxpayers and former and current City of Phoenix police officers to seek justice in the matter.
As Judicial Watch notes in its letter, Chief Harris retired from the City of Phoenix Police Department “on or about January 19, 2007,” but was subsequently rehired as “Public Safety Manager.” However, Chief Harris continued to maintain his former title and position as Chief of Police. In fact, Chief Harris is listed as “Public Safety Manager/Police Chief Jack Harris” on an organizational chart maintained by the Phoenix Police Department.
According to Arizona law, if a retired member of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System “subsequently becomes employed in the same position by the employer from which the member retired, the system shall not make pension payments to the retired member during the period of reemployment.” As Chief Harris continues to take pension payments contrary to law, Judicial Watch is asking the Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard to intervene.
Judicial Watch believes that “there is clear legal authority to seek to enjoin the payment of pension benefits to Chief Harris.”
“We expect public officials to follow the rules and we expect the Arizona Attorney General to enforce the law,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “The illegal payment of pension funds to Chief Harris is a waste of taxpayer funds and Attorney General Goddard should put a stop to it. Judicial Watch stands ready to act if the Attorney General fails to remedy the situation.”
Christopher J. Farrell
Director of Investigations & Research
Judicial Watch, Inc.
501 School Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Tel: 202-646-5172
Fax: 202-646-5199
CLICK HERE to view the News 5 segment on the impending lawsuit.
CLICK HERE to view the 12 News segment on the impending lawsuit.
CLICK HERE to visit the Judicial Watch Website.
CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard from Judicial Watch stating their intent to sue over pension law violations.
CLICK HERE to read the proposed complaint drafted by Judicial Watch for the Attorney General’s office.
Listen to commentary aired on the JD Hayworth radio show on August 31, 2009.