Palm Springs Police Chief David Dominguez is retiring after being accused by officers of making “inappropriate comments” during an antigay undercover lewd conduct sting in June 2009. According to KESQ TV, this followed the arrests of 19 gay men after a four-day operation involving 14 officers.
According to pre-trial testimony, one undercover officer referred to the gay men as “cocksuckers” during the sting. In a motion to dismiss the case filed in September – Deputy Public Defender Roger Tansey provided evidence that the “cocksucker” comment was made in response to comments from Police Chief David Dominguez. The Chief allegedly said, “What a bunch of filthy mother fuckers. You guys should get paid extra for this.”
It was claimed by Tansey that Dominguez created an antigay environment in the department. Tansey cited police reports that showed that Palm Springs police routinely rousted gay men in the Warm Sands area, while giving a pass to heterosexuals having sex in public.
Palm Springs City Manager, David Ready, has apologized to the Palm Springs City Council for “unprofessional conduct” and “inappropriate comments” made during the sting. Police Chief Dominguez later offered a written apology stating that he “sincerely apologized to the community at large” for making an “inappropriate comment.”
The Police Chief, the City Manager and the arresting officers were due back in court on Jan. 20 for a hearing on the motion to dismiss the case.
Despite Dominguez’s resignation coming as a shock to the broader community, openly gay Mayor Steve Pougnet said Dominguez’s resignation was in the best interest of the city and the police department. Openly lesbian Councilmember Ginny Foat concurred, saying the community which has been mired in the scandal can now move forward.
