Danielle Quijada

The Republic | azcentral.com

Two former Phoenix police officers were indicted on a charge of hindering prosecution after warning patrons and employees at a west Phoenix strip club about a criminal investigation, according to court documents.

Employees and patrons of the club were suspected of participating in the sale or transportation of dangerous drugs, the indictment said.

A Maricopa County grand jury on May 6 charged Sebastian Castillo, 35, and Richard Denny, 39, each with one count of hindering prosecution in the first degree, which is a Class 5 felony.

The indictments stated that, sometime around March 23, Castillo and Denny were on duty when they notified employees and patrons of the Essex Gentlemen’s Club about "a forthcoming discovery, apprehension, prosecution or conviction."

The two men recently resigned from the department, said Sgt. Trent Crump, Phoenix police spokesman. Crump did not have information immediately available about how long they had served on the force.

“In lieu of the meeting with the police chief regarding these findings, both officers resigned their employment,” Crump said.

Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner said in a statement that the department holds each employee accountable to the highest of standards.

“I am extremely disappointed in the actions of these two officers," Yahner said. "Their conduct has a negative impact on all the positive police work our officers do on a daily basis.

"Please be assured that I will continue to hold our officers accountable to ensure the trust and confidence of the community we serve."