When an ex-girlfriend of a Phoenix Police Sergeant notified his Lieutenant about a kidnapping, the response she received was not what she expected.
Uniform Patch for Phoenix PD
Twenty-five year veteran Phoenix Police Sergeant Leroy Potter had a decorated career in law enforcement. In May of 2016, he was the recipient of the Medal of Merit award.
Former Phoenix Police Sergeant Leroy Potter
But as Sergeant Potter’s professional life was doing well, his personal life was ready for an episode of Jerry Springer.
Sgt. Potter filed for an order of protection against his ex-girlfriend. When she was moving out of state, he had the order quashed. But when she decided to stay, he filed for a second order of protection.
It is unknown why the couple were together on September 8th, 2016, especially after Sgt. Potter had filed for two orders of protection. But after drinking together, another argument ensued.
The victim (who has not been named because of the nature of the alleged crime) attempted to file a complaint with Sgt. Potter’s Lieutenant. According to sources, the victim was told she should be happy because her ex-boyfriend “let her go”. Other officers told the victim to “shut up or you will be arrested”.
Lieutenant Brian Thatcher was placed on a 120-hour suspension for not initiating an investigation quickly enough. Sgt. Potter was assigned to a “non-enforcement” position once the investigation was started.
Phoenix Police Department Headquarters
The problem with the investigation is that the Phoenix Police started a domestic violence investigation. The alleged victim was claiming that Sgt. Potter had sexually assaulted her and kept her handcuffed for hours. Another example of police officers protecting their own!
Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery
In classic fashion from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Sgt. Potter will not be prosecuted for his alleged crimes. One reason is the lack of evidence that was collected by the Phoenix Police Department.
Phoenix Power Attorney, Marc Victor
Although the Phoenix Police Department protected one of their own, the victim may find some justice in the end. She has retained Phoenix power attorney Marc Victor. Mr. Victor informed the city of Phoenix of a possible $200,000 lawsuit.
City of Phoenix City Hall
Lieutenant Brian Thatcher served his suspension. But the decorated police Sergeant, Leroy Potter decided to retire from the department. He may have thought his retirement was the end of the story. But with the possibility of a lawsuit, it may be just the beginning.