August 27, 2025

Phoenix HR Officer Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with Minors

News Summary

A Human Resource Officer in Phoenix has been arrested on serious charges of sexual misconduct involving minors. Joseph Galati faces multiple felony charges after an investigation revealed alarming details from two victims. Evidence from the victims and social media connections played a critical role in linking Galati to the allegations. The case raises pressing concerns regarding the safety of minors online and the need for greater accountability for individuals in positions of authority. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to address the charges.

Phoenix, Arizona – Joseph Alfred Galati, a 31-year-old Human Resource Officer for the City of Phoenix, was arrested on August 22, facing serious charges of sexual misconduct involving minors. Galati has been charged with two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of public sexual indecency, all classified as felonies.

The investigation into Galati began in late April when a 13-year-old boy disclosed an incident that implicated Galati while he was being interviewed for an unrelated matter. The case escalated after the boy, referred to as “Victim A,” mentioned a sleepover that took place with a 12-year-old boy, referred to as “Victim B.”

During the sleepover, Victim B had invited the 13-year-old to meet someone they had connected with on the social media platform Snapchat. The two boys were picked up by a man in a truck after they went outside, and allegations suggest that sexual misconduct occurred after the pickup. When Victim B later expressed a desire to leave the situation, the 13-year-old agreed. It is reported that the man threatened to harm them if they attempted to report the incident, instilling fear in both boys.

The mother of the 13-year-old confirmed that her son had spent the night at Victim B’s house from April 12 to April 13, providing a timeline for investigators. Additional evidence emerged when investigators discovered video footage on the 13-year-old’s phone, which recorded part of the disturbing encounter. This evidence played a crucial role in the investigation.

As the investigation progressed, law enforcement was able to track down the vehicle used by the suspect, which was registered to Galati. Further identification efforts led to the 13-year-old positively identifying Galati in a photographic lineup, linking him directly to the alleged crime.

When questioned by investigators after being read his Miranda rights, Galati acknowledged meeting a male on an LGBT dating app. He admitted to engaging in sexual conduct with one of these individuals but claimed he was unaware that they were underage at the time.

Following the arrest, a judge set a cash-only bail for Galati at $150,000, signifying the severity of the allegations against him. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for September 2 to further address the charges and the potential legal proceedings that may follow.

The case has drawn attention to concerns surrounding the safety of minors online and the potential risks of social media interactions. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on this troubling incident involving a public servant and allegations of misconduct with minors.

This incident has raised important discussions about accountability, parental awareness, and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of authority. The City of Phoenix is likely to face scrutiny as the community calls for thorough investigations and preventive measures to protect vulnerable youth from similar incidents in the future.

As the legal process moves forward, both Victim A and Victim B will likely be supported by local child advocacy organizations seeking to ensure their well-being and recovery from this traumatic experience. The upcoming preliminary hearing will be a vital step in determining the path forward for both the victims and the accused.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Phoenix Police Chief Aims to Expand Force to 3,000 Officers
Tragic Shooting at Florida State University Claims Lives
Red Lion Resident Charged with Stealing Over $95,000
Bartram Trail Teacher Arrested for Inappropriate Behavior
Arizona Supreme Court Rules on Sheriff Liability
Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Phoenix Police for Excessive Force
Phoenix Officials Commit to Police Reforms Amid DOJ Closure
Phoenix Officer Injured in Assault While Responding to Disturbance
Efforts to Retain Medical Graduates in Arizona
DOJ Rescinds Phoenix Police Reform Report

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Emergency responders at the site of a building collapse in Hopkinton with debris scattered on the street.

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit