QUICK SUMMARY
Mesa park rangers formed a "Goon Squad" that targeted homeless individuals, prompting city officials to express concern and initiate an independent investigation. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office deemed the rangers' actions non-prosecutable, despite their disturbing nature. The city has transferred oversight of the rangers to the police department to maintain professional standards.
Mesa park rangers formed a "Goon Squad" that targeted homeless individuals, mirroring the actions of the violent "Gilbert Goons." This gang, primarily composed of affluent teens, was implicated in the murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord, resulting in multiple murder charges. City officials expressed their distress over the park rangers' behavior, launching an independent investigation and transferring oversight to the police department for better accountability. Ranger Joshua Amado was arrested for possessing a stolen firearm discovered in a homeless man's backpack, illustrating the troubling actions of the rangers. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office determined that the rangers' actions did not warrant prosecution, citing no reasonable likelihood of conviction. Mesa City Manager Chris Brady reiterated the city's commitment to zero tolerance for misconduct among public servants. The ongoing investigation seeks to restore community trust and uphold professional standards in law enforcement. This situation reflects broader societal issues regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations.