Sedona, AZ – According to a press release sent today by Lauren Browne, communications director for the city of Sedona, the city concluded an independent investigation into harassment complaints filed by both Chief of Police Stephanie Foley and former Mayor Scott Jablow against each other. The investigation, conducted by an external investigator, aimed to address allegations of a hostile work environment and other related concerns.
Key findings include:
- From Foley’s complaint:
- The investigation substantiated that Jablow created a hostile work environment for Foley by interfering with and undermining her management of the Sedona Police Department with the goal of forcing her removal.
- The investigation did not find evidence that Jablow’s actions were motivated by gender-based discrimination.
- From Jablow’s complaint:
- The investigation did not substantiate his allegations that Foley engaged in harassment or retaliation against him.
“With the results from this investigation complete, it’s time restore the public trust that has been eroded through mistakes in the past,” said newly appointed Mayor Holli Ploog.
“I’m looking forward to refocusing on the great work and services we provide for the community, and to reinforcing a strong, collaborative leadership team that embodies our values of transparency, teamwork and strategic focus — all essential to ensuring an effective organization,” said City Manager Anette Spickard.
Read the full report at this link.
Additionally, after a social media post on Sept. 19, 2025, alleged Jablow of potential sexual harassment and misuse of city funds, City Council authorized the City Attorney to investigate the validity of these remarks.
Key findings from that investigation include:
- Regarding the sexual harassment allegation:
- The investigation found insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim that Jablow engaged in sexual harassment as defined by city policy or state law.
- While the complainant described conduct that, if corroborated, could constitute inappropriate behavior, the complainant stated multiple times that Jablow did nothing illegal.
- The complainant and Jablow’s relationship was a personal one and other than meeting at a regional event and occasionally attending other regional events, there is no evidence or allegation that Jablow used his position to gain personal favor from the complainant.
- Regarding the misuse of city funds allegation:
- The investigation found no evidence that Jablow used city funds for personal expenses, meals, lodging or communications involving the complainant.
- Financial record review supports that all identified expenditures were for legitimate city purposes.
- Per the complainant and Jablow, their last contact was around September 2022. Jablow did not have a city-issued credit card until December 2022. Jablow did not have a city-issued cell phone until October 2024.
Jablow remains adamant in his belief that he was not treated fairly by the investigator and provided Sedona.biz by email with the following statement:
During my participation in the investigation, I provided the investigator with the names of multiple individuals who could have substantiated my serious allegations against Chief Foley regarding her ongoing and inappropriate mistreatment of me and other current employees. However, based on the information available, there is no indication that these individuals were ever contacted or interviewed.
It appears that many of the interviews conducted were focused primarily on defending the Chief, rather than seeking the truth or addressing the legitimate concerns raised by employees. For example, during an interview with the current Commander, he reportedly expressed fear of retaliation and potential job loss should he speak out against the Chief. Despite this, the Commander openly corroborated allegations previously made by the former Deputy Chief—allegations which have been the subject of a pending lawsuit against the City by the former Deputy Chief.
Notably, these statements, along with corroborating accounts from other sworn officers, were omitted from the recently released summary report released by the City. The Commander also indicated his belief that the timing of the Chief’s complaint against me was highly suspect.
It is deeply concerning that the City continues to deny the existence of serious internal issues within the police department, despite substantial and credible information to the contrary.
