The Arizona Attorney General's Office will investigate both the allegations against Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu and his claim that he was victimized by his former lover.
Babeu requested the investigation Tuesday, initially asking the Gila County sheriff and attorney, before those two bowed out, saying the probe would be too costly. Attorney General Tom Horne later accepted the investigation.
On Friday, the Phoenix New Times published a story in which Babeu's former lover, identified in the story only as "Jose," said Babeu and his attorney threatened him with deportation if he didn't remain silent about their relationship and details of Babeu's personal life. Babeu denied making a threat.
On Monday, Babeu said he considers himself a victim of the man, whom TV stations identified Tuesday as 34-year-old Jose Orozco. Babeu said the man misused his campaign property and committed identity theft when he sabotaged Babeu's political websites in September.
In his letter requesting the investigation, Babeu wrote, "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. 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."
Copyright 2012 - The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
