Independent investigation finds Mesa park rangers ran unchecked for years as department leadership failed to supervise them; director and deputy director retire

An eight-month independent investigation by the Pierce Coleman law firm, prompted by a newly hired ranger's complaint, found that three Mesa park rangers engaged in misuse of authority, noncompliance with state and municipal park-ranger limitations, hostile workplace conduct, inadequate documentation, and repeated dismissal of city directives. The report, released December 15, 2025, led to the resignations of the three rangers and the retirement of Unit Supervisor Brett Burton, and the city's Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities Department Director Andrea Moore and Deputy Director Aimee Manis retired following the findings.