Arizona AG Reviewing Claim Gilbert Illegally Destroyed Police Records

Resident alleges top town staff destroyed and withheld records related to criminal investigations

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Arizona Attorney General's Office is reviewing allegations from a Gilbert resident that top town staff destroyed and withheld police records, including those related to criminal investigations. The case was referred to the AG's office by the Gilbert Police Department, which denies the allegations. The resident, Charisia Arnold, claims she has evidence that state laws were violated, including tampering with public records and deliberately concealing records.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about public records transparency in Gilbert, with residents previously reporting fears of retaliation for seeking records. The allegations, if true, could indicate a broader issue of improper record-keeping and potential cover-ups of criminal investigations within the town government.

The details

Charisia Arnold filed a police report on Dec. 15 alleging "criminal misconduct" by the Gilbert Town Clerk, Town Attorney, and Town Manager, among other officials. Arnold claims she has evidence that records were deleted to conceal inadequate investigations into murders, teen violence, and other criminal cases. The police department referred the case to the AG's office, which has assigned an agent to review the allegations. Gilbert denies any improper withholding or destruction of records, stating it receives thousands of records requests annually and works to respond properly.

  • On Dec. 15, 2025, Charisia Arnold filed a police report with the allegations.
  • On Dec. 29, 2025, Arnold emailed the allegations to a Gilbert police sergeant.
  • On Feb. 3, 2026, the Gilbert Police Department referred the case to the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
  • In March 2025, Gilbert residents reported fears of retaliation for seeking public records.
  • In October 2025, a Gilbert Veteran Advisory Board member was removed after criticizing the town's public records responses.

The players

Charisia Arnold

A Gilbert resident who filed a police report and emailed allegations that top town staff destroyed and withheld police records, including those related to criminal investigations.

Chaveli Herrera

The Gilbert Town Clerk, who Arnold alleges was involved in criminal misconduct related to the destruction and withholding of records.

Chris Payne

The Gilbert Town Attorney, who Arnold alleges was involved in criminal misconduct related to the destruction and withholding of records.

Patrick Banger

The former Gilbert Town Manager, who Arnold alleges was involved in criminal misconduct related to the destruction and withholding of records. Banger has since become the City Manager of Glendale.

Gilbert Police Department

The local police department that referred the case to the Arizona Attorney General's Office for an independent review.

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What they’re saying

“The Town understands its obligations under the Arizona public records law and denies any allegation that it has improperly withheld or unlawfully destroyed public records. The Town receives thousands of public records requests each year and works diligently to respond to each request in a timely manner.”

— Brenda Carrasco, Spokesperson, Gilbert Police Department

“I also believe that these record deletions were an effort to conceal inadequate and negligent investigations involving the murders of Nick Cordova, Rachel Hansen, cases involving teen violence, and numerous other criminal investigations.”

— Charisia Arnold, Gilbert Resident

What’s next

The Arizona Attorney General's Office has assigned an agent to review the allegations and determine if they have any merit. A third-party investigation will impartially examine the claims.

The takeaway

This case raises serious concerns about transparency and potential cover-ups within the Gilbert town government. The independent review by the Arizona Attorney General's Office will be crucial in determining if public records were unlawfully destroyed or withheld, and whether that was done to conceal problems with criminal investigations.