As Election Approaches, Pima Sheriff Under Fire for Placing GOP Rival on Leave

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing potential censure from the Board of Supervisors for placing his opponent, Heather Lappin, on paid administrative leave just days before the general election. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with Lappin filing a federal lawsuit in response.

Last week, Nanos placed Lappin, a lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Department, on leave along with another deputy who had been critical of his leadership. Nanos claimed his actions were necessary due to alleged violations of federal laws, accusing Lappin of improperly assisting a reporter in reaching a jail inmate.

The sheriff defended his timing, asserting that it was Lappin’s responsibility to take a leave of absence during the campaign. Prominent Democratic leaders have rallied behind Lappin, while several have notably refrained from endorsing Nanos.

In a move to address the situation, Supervisor Matt Heinz introduced a motion to censure Nanos. He described the sheriff’s actions as “reckless and vindictive,” calling it a clear example of election interference. Heinz emphasized the need for the county to protect the integrity of the voting process.

Nanos responded to Heinz’s comments by inviting the board to discuss any concerns with him directly. He suggested that Lappin’s actions created disruptions that warranted his decisions. Nanos argued that the board’s lack of requirement for Lappin to take a leave of absence tested “the limitations of good sense.”

Recent events also saw Sgt. Aaron Cross suspended alongside Lappin after a group of deputies protested against Nanos. Cross, who was identified as participating while donning department-issued attire, has faced scrutiny for his political activities while representing the sheriff’s department.

Nanos has gone further by claiming that Lappin “colluded” with a journalist and facilitated a payment to an inmate for information. However, no evidence detailing the specifics of these claims has been presented. The journalist involved, John Washington, clarified that no payments were made for interviews or sources, indicating that ethical journalism standards were upheld.

The sheriff has called for investigations into Lappin by both the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the FBI, alleging violations of state and federal laws. In a letter, Nanos justified his decision to place Lappin and Cross on leave due to suspected misconduct that crossed legal and policy boundaries.

Lappin’s campaign denounced Nanos’ actions as unconstitutional and politically motivated, asserting that the sheriff abused his power to impede her campaign as voting commenced. Former Sheriff Mark Napier also condemned Nanos’ conduct as a transparent act of vindictiveness.

Furthermore, allegations against Nanos have mounted following accusations of a lack of oversight in a sexual assault investigation within his department, prompting calls for further investigation by the Attorney General’s office. Pima County has faced intense scrutiny over the high number of in-custody deaths, raising questions about the department’s management and policies.

As Lappin continues to secure endorsements from political allies, including Supervisor Heinz and former officials, Nanos finds himself under increased pressure to justify his actions. The fallout from this situation raises critical concerns regarding ethics and accountability within the Pima County Sheriff’s Department as the November election approaches.