The 1%: Black Officer Punished by the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Police After EEO Victory

After winning his Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint through mediation in March 2022, Khori Francis, a Black federal police officer at the Phoenix VA Police Department, became the target of retaliatory actions intended to remove him from law enforcement. Shortly after his successful EEO outcome, Francis was falsely accused of timecard fraud—a tactic commonly used to discredit and remove disfavored employees, especially after protected actions like filing an EEO complaint.

Following his EEO victory, Francis received a delayed nationwide-grade promotion. However, due to a nondisclosure agreement, he cannot publicly disclose why the promotion was initially withheld by management. In late 2022, Francis was falsely labeled as "lazy" and "careless" in official communications. These allegations were unfounded, rooted in harmful racial stereotypes, and timed suspiciously following his protected activity.

In early 2023, Francis experienced severe escalation: his police authority was abruptly suspended without due process, and he was referred for potential federal criminal charges—an extreme measure rarely taken. Soon after, he received formal notice from the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding possible charges related to alleged timecard fraud. When Francis met with federal prosecutors, he was informed that the matter was not a priority, and no further action was pursued. Francis resigned under pressure in January 2023, subsequently rebuilding his life as a respected business owner and private citizen.

It is crucial to highlight that the Phoenix VA Police Department historically directed nearly all criminal cases—approximately 99%—to Maricopa County state court, explicitly avoiding federal prosecution except for minor petty offenses. Francis became the rare exception—the "1%"—facing federal charges, suggesting selective targeting and retaliation following his successful EEO complaint.

This is not an isolated incident. Another minority officer, Mario Ramirez, experienced similar retaliatory federal action. Ramirez, who filed an EEO complaint and a substantiated whistleblower disclosure, faced disproportionate federal charges involving a petty offense citation in 2023. Ramirez’s situation underscores a troubling pattern: selective federal prosecution against minority officers who assert their rights. (See https://www.scribd.com/document/843243757/Ramirez-v-Whitt-et-al-Allegations-of-Retaliation-and-Rights-Violations-at-the-Phoenix-VA.)

Further confirming systemic issues, an official investigation in 2023 by the VA’s Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI), and a Final Agency Decision (FAD) issued by the Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication (OEDCA), found the department liable for racial harassment against another Black officer. This officer had an impeccable service record, highlighting the severity of the department’s discriminatory practices. This case was settled out of court in 2024. (See https://www.scribd.com/document/731110578/Racism-at-Phoenix-VA-Health-Care-System-VA-Police-Discrimination-Lawsuit-Race-African-American.)

In 2024, Francis successfully moved forward with his life, operating his business without issue. A key official involved in previous conflicts left the department, initially causing Francis no concern. However, in January 2025—just months after this official’s departure—the U.S. Attorney’s Office suddenly reignited Francis’s previously dismissed case. This suspicious timing raises questions about retaliatory motives linked to previous department leadership.

Adding to the severity, multiple Phoenix VA Police officials potentially became Giglio impaired in 2023 by providing false statements or omitting crucial information during ORMDI investigations. Such actions violate several federal statutes and guidelines, including:

This petition aims to hold the Phoenix VA Police Department accountable for its actions and systemic issues. Relevant historical misconduct further demonstrates a troubling pattern:

The mistreatment of Francis reflects broader dysfunction within the Phoenix VA Health Care System and its police department. Francis exercised his civil rights through official channels and prevailed—yet was unjustly punished. His case underscores broader concerns, including recent substantiated racial discrimination complaints, sexual harassment, and retaliation against whistleblowers within the department.

This petition transcends political beliefs or racial differences—it's about upholding integrity, fairness, and the rule of law. Regardless of political affiliation or background, we must agree that no individual should face retaliation for exercising their civil rights.

Khori Francis deserves restoration, dignity, and justice. Join us in demanding accountability, fairness, and meaningful change. Stand against abuse of power and support this call for justice.

The full lawsuit and related documents can be viewed here: https://archive.org/details/show-temp-5. 



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