FLORENCE, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu on Tuesday turned to Arizona's attorney general for an independent investigation of allegations against him and his accuser.
The Republican 4th District Congressional candidate originally sent a letter to Gila Sheriff John Armor and County Attorney Daisey Flores, asking them to investigate.
But Armor and Flores told the sheriff they do not have the resources to conduct the investigation.
Pinal County spokesman Elias Johnson said Babeu then asked Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne to handle the case. Horne agreed to take it, Johnson said.
"I am requesting the assistance of your offices to conduct a joint comprehensive investigation into the recent allegations made publicly against me and my office including possible crimes committed against me personally," Babeu wrote to Gila County.
"I request that your investigation look into allegations of human rights violations, threatening and intimidating, misuse of public resources, theft of property, theft of identity, fraud and impersonation. Your immediate attention and assistance with this investigation is requested. I have instructed my Sheriff's office and political staff to fully cooperate with your inquiry in an effort to settle these allegations made against me."
Babeu's former boyfriend, 34-year-old Jose Orozco, has accused the sheriff of misconduct, including an allegation the sheriff threatened to deport him if he made public details of their relationship.
"Attorney General Tom Horne is the top prosecutor in the state," Babeu said. "I feel that he and his staff will conduct this comprehensive investigation into all allegations made against me and my office, as well as possible crimes committed against me."
The sheriff has said Orozco's charges are an attempt to derail his political career. Babeu has accused Orozco of improperly accessing his campaign website and social media accounts when the man worked on a volunteer basis for Babeu's congressional campaign.
Meanwhile, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he would not be assisting Babeu.
"He's going to have to work through this," Arpaio said in an CNN interview. "I'm not going to give him any advice."
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"I am requesting ... a joint comprehensive investigation into the recent allegations made publicly against me and my office including possible crimes committed against me personally," Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu wrote.
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