3 Ex-Tucson Cops Risk Losing State Certification

Three former law enforcement officers from Tucson are now facing the potential revocation of their peace officer certifications. This decision follows a meeting by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) on Wednesday.

The officers in question are Randy W. Quinn, Steven S. Pupkoff, and Michael A. Villarreal. Sandy Sierra, the board’s spokeswoman, confirmed the development and noted that formal complaints will be sent to the trio. They will have an opportunity to present their cases in front of an administrative law judge during an AZPOST hearing.

Randy W. Quinn, aged 32, was dismissed from the Tucson Police Department (TPD) last December. An internal investigation, lasting several months, revealed that he had been conducting illegal records checks using a law enforcement database. AZPOST records indicated this was done at the behest of a friend. Confronted by investigators, Quinn claimed he had no recollection of these actions but admitted using license plate numbers to identify violators for ticket quotas.

The case was referred to the Pima County Attorney’s Office, but the statements made during internal investigations couldn’t be used for criminal prosecution. Consequently, the Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges. Quinn, hired by TPD in 2007, appealed his firing but lost the appeal in March.

Steven S. Pupkoff, aged 45, was arrested for DUI last June after crashing into a parked car while off duty. Records show he was found slumped over the wheel with the car still running. When officers arrived, they detected signs of impairment. Pupkoff refused field sobriety and breathalyzer tests. A court-ordered blood test revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.20, over twice the legal limit. In March, he pled guilty to extreme DUI, receiving a fine, jail time, and probation.

Michael A. Villarreal, a former Pima County sheriff’s deputy, was fired in November. AZPOST records state that he warned a coworker about a 911 call regarding underage drinking at her house. Villarreal had prior knowledge of the party but claimed he didn’t know underage drinking would occur. His coworker, a corrections officer, was cited for providing alcohol to minors. Villarreal admitted to a lapse in judgment and was dismissed on November 18.

Contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191. Twitter: @caitlinschmidt