DOMTRAM: Former Tempe Police Officer Charged with Fraudulent Overtime Scheme

TEMPE, Ariz. — A former Tempe police officer, Demetrius Domonique Mitchell, faces allegations of defrauding the city by claiming nearly 300 hours of overtime pay for work he did not perform, authorities announced Wednesday.

Mitchell, who served with the Tempe Police Department until his resignation earlier this year, is accused of submitting false overtime claims over an unspecified period, costing the city thousands of dollars. The scheme came to light following an internal audit prompted by discrepancies in payroll records, according to a statement from the Tempe Police Department.

“Public trust is paramount, and actions that undermine that trust will not be tolerated,” said Tempe Police Chief Sandra Lopez. “We are fully cooperating with the investigation to ensure justice is served.”

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has charged Mitchell with theft and misuse of public funds, both felony counts. If convicted, he could face significant fines and potential prison time. Court records indicate Mitchell is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month.

City officials have since implemented stricter oversight measures for overtime approvals to prevent similar incidents. “We are committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring accountability at every level,” said Tempe City Manager Andrew Ching.Mitchell’s attorney, Sarah Johnson, declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing investigation. The former officer has not yet entered a plea.

The Tempe Police Department emphasized that the allegations against Mitchell do not reflect the integrity of the broader force. An internal review is underway to determine if additional procedural changes are needed.