Soros-Backed Group Supports Maricopa DA Candidate Linked to Child Sexual Abuse Case Cover-Up

By Robert Schmad |

Tamika Wooten, the Democratic candidate for Maricopa County District Attorney, has come under scrutiny for her past defense of a man accused of sexually assaulting a mentally disabled child. In a case dating back to 2009, Wooten suggested that the 12-year-old girl fabricated her allegations to gain attention. The defendant, Jacob Payne, had an extensive criminal history that included a prior conviction for kidnapping.

Before Wooten took on Payne’s case, he pleaded guilty in 2004 to kidnapping and was sentenced to five years in prison. While defending him, Wooten argued against the credibility of the young girl who accused him of sexual assault, saying, “children with learning disabilities fabricate stories to get attention.” This defense strategy has raised significant concerns regarding her judgment and the values she may uphold as a potential District Attorney.

Currently, Wooten is campaigning on a platform focused on reducing incarceration rates, emphasizing alternatives to prison time. Recently, she secured an endorsement from Our Vote Our Voice Arizona, a group that has received substantial financial backing from the Open Society Action Fund, linked to the Soros family. In 2023, the fund contributed over $1 million to this advocacy organization, reflecting its significant influence in criminal justice reform movements.

The allegations against Payne were severe. The victim claimed he groped her and forced her into sexual acts. Medical examinations revealed blood on her underwear, which was not related to menstruation. Witness accounts from the girl’s siblings corroborated her claims, stating they saw her leave the room while adjusting her clothing. Following a call from the girl’s brother to their mother, Payne attempted to evade capture when confronted.

During the trial, Wooten sought to prevent the prosecution from labeling Payne as a “predator” or “pedophile,” arguing that potential family bias might have influenced the girl’s testimony. She questioned the girl’s recollection of the events as evidence of fabrication. Initially, the victim’s mother was skeptical due to a previous false allegation made by her daughter against the girl’s father, though she later believed her after the siblings confirmed the assault.

Ultimately, Payne was acquitted. However, he faced additional charges in 2013 for sexually abusing another child. Those charges were dropped, but prosecutors noted their decision was not due to insufficient evidence. In more recent years, he has faced convictions for aggravated assault and for distributing explicit images without consent.

The Soros family’s funding efforts aim to shift criminal justice policy from punitive measures to rehabilitation, a strategy that has sparked controversy in various cities where such reforms have been implemented. Critics argue these changes are linked to rising crime rates in those areas.

Wooten’s campaign is positioned against incumbent Republican Rachel Mitchell, who advocates for tougher stances on organized crime and the fentanyl crisis. As the election approaches, the implications of Wooten’s past actions may significantly influence voter perception.

Both Wooten and Our Voice Our Vote Arizona have yet to provide comments in response to requests from media sources regarding the ongoing discussions about Wooten’s candidacy.

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