Cottonwood Police Chief Steve Gesell took disciplinary leave last week while he “addresses certain internal matters,” according to a City of Cottonwood news release.

Gesell’s vacation started last Thursday. The city declined to provide additional information because personnel matters are confidential.

Commander. Gareth Braxton interim acting chief of police.

Gesell was first appointed Chief of Cottonwood Police in 2016 after 20 years with the Scottsdale Police Department.

He recently unsuccessfully campaigned for the Arizona House of Representatives in 2022 Arizona State Legislative District 1. The district covers most of Yavapai County, including Cottonwood.

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