MESA, AZ — A decorated Mesa police officer is off the force, and he faces a felony indictment after being accused of domestic violence.
Mesa K9 Officer Scott Callender retired earlier this month as the department planned to fire him.
The department spent 18 months investigating claims of domestic violence from at least 4 women who were in romantic relationships with the officer over a long period of time. One woman said Callender pushed her, and she broke her ribs in the fall.
Callender was indicted on felony charges of intercepting communications and aggravated assault.
"When information relative to such conduct, even off-duty, is brought to light, these allegations are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken by the Department," said Det. Nik Rasheta, a Mesa Police Department spokesman.
"For 25 years he built a reputation for putting his life on the line to protect our community and promote justice," said Callender's attorney Kyle Reedy. "We look forward to defending his reputation and exonerating him based on the actual facts and evidence."
Callender pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges during an arraignment in Maricopa County Superior Court Thursday.
