The city of Sedona has hired Christopher Dowell as interim deputy police chief. Dowell began working in the position on Monday, Aug. 26, according to Sedona Communications Director Lauren Browne.
Dowell’s contract is for 90 days. He will be assisting with procuring a new body-worn camera system, updating policies and procedures, overseeing the investigative unit and supervising the patrol and support services divisions.
His monthly salary in Sedona will be $9,765, equal to $29,295 over the 90-day period. Browne said that his hiring was intended as a temporary solution.
Dowell resigned as interim Cottonwood police chief on Sunday, Aug. 11, with an effective date of Saturday, Aug. 24. In his resignation letter to Cottonwood, he stated, “It is with great sorrow that I announce my resignation from the city of Cottonwood after seven years of service to the community, the department and the city after seeing no path forward within the city leadership, effective Aug. 24 at midnight. I will remain on FMLA until Aug. 24 to recover my mental health situation. I do not wish to participate in an exit interview and choose for my last paycheck to be deposited via direct deposit.”
His Cottonwood salary was $60.08 per hour, according to his resignation letter.
Dowell Replaces Kwitkin, Temporarily
Dowell fills the post formerly occupied by SPD Deputy Chief Ryan Kwitkin, who was terminated on July 10. Hired in May 2023 from Boca Raton, Fla., Kwitkin had filed a complaint against Sedona Police Chief Stephanie Foley alleging that she had created a hostile workplace.
An outside investigation by Revolutionary HR Consulting, beginning on March 18 and concluding on May 23, involved interviewing 23 city employees. The outside firm determined the eight allegations made against Foley were “not substantiated;” however, the firm reported alleged misconduct by Kwitkin and recommended a second investigation into his actions.
Sedona Human Resources Director Russ Martin conducted the investigation into Kwitkin, interviewing 14 staffers regarding 13 allegations, 10 of which were substantiated, another of which was partially sustained and two of which were not substantiated. Kwitkin, who was still in his probationary period, declined to be interviewed to address the allegations and twice declined to attend a predetermination hearing after requesting one, and was subsequently terminated.
Kwitkin filed a notice of claim against the city of Sedona for wrongful termination, which was received by the city on Aug. 19.
Cottonwood Police
Dowell had been with the city of Cottonwood for six years following employment with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Army.
Cottonwood City Manager Scotty Douglass appointed Dowell as the city’s interim police chief following the termination of former Police Chief Steve Gesell in September. Dowell had been the acting chief since June 2023 after Gesell was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into Gesell’s conduct. Gesell allegedly threatened another city staffer after a Cottonwood City Council meeting in May.
Gesell was fired Sept. 14. A report by Osborn Maledon, P.A. concluded that Gesell’s conduct violated city policies as set out in Section 8 of the city of Cottonwood’s employee manual. The report specified multiple violations, including insubordination, acts detrimental to the mission of the city, acts that bring discredit to the city and discourtesy to another employee, as well as violations of the CPD’s policy manual including acts bringing discredit to the department, acts unbecoming a member of the department and discourteous treatment of any city employee.
Tempe lawyer Kimberly Eckert filed a lawsuit on April 3 in Yavapai County Superior Court on behalf of Gesell, against the city of Cottonwood; Mayor Tim Elinski; Deputy City Manager Jesus “Rudy” Rodriguez, who was on multiple occasions acting city manager; City Manager Scotty Douglass; City Attorney Jennifer Winkler; Human Resources Director Amanda Wilber; and Councilwoman Helaine Kurot.
Winkler and Douglass are no longer city employees, having both suddenly departed in January after alleging harassment by several Cottonwood City Council members.
