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3 Ariz. arson investigators put on paid leave

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is looking into claims of misconduct and improper investigative techniques

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PHOENIX, Ariz. — Three Phoenix fire investigators were placed on paid administrative leave in the face of a state criminal investigation.

AZ Central reported that unit director Jack Ballentine and Capts. Sam Richardson and Fred Andes were placed on leave a day after the Arizona Department of Public Safety reported it had concluded a criminal investigation into the members’ alleged misconduct and improper investigative techniques.

A final, redacted review has not yet been released to fire officials, according to the report.

The review came at the request of the department after a series of reports into the squad.