Pima County Human Resources investigator Mike Tully has found “sufficient evidence to substantiate that Sgt. Kevin Kubitskey was a victim of workplace bullying,” by Sheriff Chris Nanos. Tully’s extensive investigation included victim and eyewitness statements as well as interoffice documents.
Human Resources Director Allyn Bulzomi concurred with Tully’s finding in a memo that was signed by Tifanie Ward, Employment Rights Supervisor, on July 15, 2016 and Cory Dent, Human Resources Division Manager, on July 18, 2016.
Despite what appears to be a thorough investigation, Deputy Administrator Tom Burke on October 17, rejected Tully’s finding. Burke, commonly referred as Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry’s Mini-Me, claimed that the investigation was not conducted in a neutral fashion. In a memo dated October 17, Burke wrote to Bulzomi that he believes that Tully asked “leading questions” and took some statements out of context.
Burke’s finding surprised no one familiar with the County’s corrupt culture. Although Tully’s report was clearly completed months ago, the report had been kept under wraps until Kubitskey filed a lawsuit on October 18.
According to Kubitskey’s lawsuit, he “has made several inquiries and public record requests, dating back to July 11, 2016, yet Pima County has produced nothing.”
In his lawsuit, Kubitskey claims that on July 11, 2016, he sent Tully an “email inquiring as to the status of the report. On July 26, 2016, Mr. Tully responded that “The investigative report has been completed and sent to the chain of command for signatures.”
In an interview on the James T. Harris show, immediately filing the lawsuit, Kubitskey’s attorney Tim La Sota stated the issue was not complicated and questioned why the County was taking so long to turn the investigative report over. “It should’ve been resolved and we have a right to the records that were created as a result of the investigation.” La Sota concluded, “And oh by the way there’s an election coming up, so there could be a reason they’re holding up these documents.”
It could also be why Burke rejected the findings.
Earlier this month, Nanos’ right-hand man, Chief Deputy Chris Radtke was indicted for the misuse of RICO funds. More indictments are expected.
Nanos was appointed to fill the sheriff’s position vacated by retiring Sheriff Clarence Dupnik. Since then, Nanos has been an albatross around the neck of the Pima County supervisors Sharon Bronson, Ramon Valadez, Richard Elias and Ray Carroll, who voted in favor of his appointment, over the objections of Supervisor Ally Miller.
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