A former Glendale police commander is no longer employed by the city and is contesting extradition to North Carolina after being taken into custody Thursday, Sept. 17, in connection with an indictment alleging second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Jay O’Neill appeared in Maricopa County court after 9 p.m. Thursday and chose to request an extradition hearing instead of waiving that process, according to ABC15, which reviewed the North Carolina indictment and covered the Arizona hearing. The hearing was set for Sept. 28.
The charge is an allegation. O’Neill has not been convicted, and the available public reporting does not establish how he will plead in the North Carolina case.
What the indictment alleges
ABC15 reported that the name and date of birth in the North Carolina indictment match O’Neill. The indictment alleges that he knowingly received two digital images depicting a 15-year-old engaged in sexual activity.
North Carolina law defines second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor to include knowingly receiving, distributing, transporting, exhibiting, selling, purchasing, exchanging or soliciting qualifying material. The statute classifies the offense as a Class E felony. Prosecutors would have to prove the elements of the charge in court.
The Arizona court set a $75,000 cash bond, ABC15 reported. If released, O’Neill would be prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or leaving Maricopa County while the extradition matter is pending.
Glendale says employment ended
Glendale Police Chief Colby Brandt told employees in a Sept. 17 email that the Arizona Department of Public Safety had notified the department about an out-of-state criminal investigation involving O’Neill and requested help taking him safely into custody, according to ABC15. The chief’s message did not describe the allegations.
A city spokesperson confirmed to ABC15 that O’Neill was no longer employed by Glendale as of Thursday afternoon. Arizona’s Family separately reported that police officials confirmed the employment change in an emailed statement and that court records showed O’Neill was awaiting extradition.
ABC15 reported that O’Neill joined Glendale police in 2005 after earlier service as a police officer and dispatcher in California. The department had identified him as a commander in its senior leadership. It has not publicly detailed whether his separation was a firing, resignation or another employment action.
What happens next
The Sept. 28 proceeding concerns whether O’Neill will be transferred from Arizona to North Carolina. It does not decide the merits of the North Carolina allegation. No Arizona criminal charge was identified in the available reporting Thursday night.
The case raises a separate local accountability question because O’Neill held a command position when another state sought his arrest. Glendale has confirmed the employment change and its assistance with the arrest, but it has not announced an internal review, identified any effect on prior department work or said when it first learned of the North Carolina investigation.
West Valley Post will update this report if court records, the city or O’Neill’s attorney provide material new information.
Comments
Join the conversation. Keep comments relevant, civil and focused on the story.