Mesa police officer charged with hindering prosecution of man accused of selling drugs, court records show

MESA, Ariz. — Mesa Police Department Officer Edward Fire is facing a criminal investigation tied to allegations of hindering the prosecution of a person accused of selling drugs, according to a complaint filed on April 23.

Fire, on or about March 10, intentionally hindered the prosecution of a man accused of “Narcotics Drugs for Sale”, and did assist him by knowingly warning him of impending prosecution, the direct complaint states.

“The Mesa Police Department has been made aware of a criminal investigation involving one of its members,” the Mesa Police Department told 12News.

The Chandler Police Department is leading the investigation into the officer.

“The department is fully cooperating with the Chandler Police Department and will continue to provide any assistance necessary to support a thorough and objective investigation,” the Mesa Police Department said. “In addition to the ongoing criminal investigation, the Mesa Police Department has initiated its own internal investigation.”

Fire is on “administrative suspension” and “unpaid leave pending the outcome of both the criminal and administrative reviews”.

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