Former Tempe Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Overtime Fraud

Demetrius Domonique Mitchell / Photo Courtesy of Tempe Police Department

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published July 10th, 2025

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Former Tempe Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Overtime Fraud

Tempe, AZ — Tempe Police Detectives have arrested former officer Demetrius Domonique Mitchell on felony charges of fraudulent schemes and theft, following a months-long internal investigation into falsified overtime claims.

📆 Nearly 300 Hours Logged Without Proof of Work

According to officials, Mitchell allegedly submitted paid overtime requests totaling nearly 300 hours that he did not work. Investigators estimate he improperly received $24,149.11 in wages and benefits from the City of Tempe over a two-year period, spread across 32 separate instances.

Mitchell, who served with the department for approximately four years, resigned on July 8, just days before his arrest.

As of early 2025, the average salary for a police officer in Tempe, Arizona is approximately $77,732 per year, which is about 13% above the national average. However, salaries can vary based on experience, rank, and assignment:

Starting salary: Around $74,064 annually or $35.60/hour for new recruits
Typical range: Between $64,954 and $93,025 per year
City-reported average: Some sources list the average salary for Tempe police officers as high as $111,867, likely reflecting senior officers or those with specialized roles

🕵️‍♂️ How the Scheme Was Uncovered

Discrepancies were first identified by a Tempe Police supervisor. Detectives then conducted a thorough review of body-worn camera footage, phone records, call sheets, GPS tracking, activity logs, and log-in histories. The audit revealed no evidence of work being performed during the times Mitchell claimed overtime.

🗣️ Chief McCoy Responds

Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy released a statement following the arrest:

“Our officers are held to a higher standard. When there is sufficient evidence that an officer has violated the law and broken public trust, we will make an arrest and hold them accountable. This is about transparency, integrity, and maintaining the trust of those we serve.”

Mitchell’s case will proceed through the Maricopa County court system, with felony charges that could carry significant penalties.

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