Albuquerque Police Chief of Staff accused of abusing city-issued credit card

Albuquerque Police Chief of Staff John Ross, the ABQ Police Chief’s right-hand man, is accused of spending thousands of dollars on himself. The chief’s secretary alerted Chief Mike Geier about it and he requested to have his own Chief of Staff put under investigation. Last month, Diaz sent a letter to Chief Geier explaining her concerns around Chief of Staff Ross’ behavior at work. The seven-page letter talks about Ross failing to get permission to buy an Apple TV and Macbook.

“He improperly used the department’s card to purchase a $2500 laptop computer, and Apple TV, for personal reasons, because it’s not seen at the office apparently,” says Thomas Grover. He is the attorney for Paulette Diaz, secretary for Chief Geier. “He independently went ahead and made this purchase without getting any of the necessary approvals, at least without hers or Chief Geier’s knowledge,” Grover says.

A week after Diaz sent her letter to Chief Geier, he submitted a request to the commander at Internal Affairs, requesting they investigate Ross. In Geier’s letter, he acknowledges Diaz’s claims and says he never signed off on Ross to purchase the and laptop. He also added that he has never seen either at the office.

A spokesperson at APD says because this is an ongoing review, the department cannot comment. The spokesperson would also not say if Ross is still on the job or administrative leave.

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/albuquerque-police-chief-of-staff-accused-of-abusing-city-issued-credit-card/