Babeu ran for Arizona's 4th congressional district in the 2012 elections to the United States House of Representatives but withdrew and came out as gay after a personal controversy. February 16, 2012 The Goldwater Institute, a conservative watchdog group, raised concerns about the foundation last year and sought records to determine if Babeu was using it to bypass campaign-finance laws and promote his 2016 congressional campaign. About 1,000 Trump supporters had descended on the state Capitol; one group of them brought a guillotine. "What we're focused on is making sure we're as transparent as possible," he said. Out of five Pinal County supervisors, only one, Serdy, a Republican, would comment on the record about Lamb, telling me over the phone, As long as the job is being done, then we support [his other work]. Lamb argues his outside activities help him bring in new recruits. The poor record-keeping noted by auditors was also a key factor preventing the AG's officefrom filing charges against Babeu and Voyles, Anderson said. He insists he doesnt have political ambitions beyond the sheriffs office, though. In this case, he's both.". Another $63,772 distributed from the foundation went to public service announcements for both offices. Another man walking by said, The sheriff is a good dude. Everyone gathered for a picture, just one more. Babeu's and Voyles use of RICO funds has been questioned for years in lawsuits and investigations. When reached Tuesday, a spokesman declined to comment. As KJZZ's Dennis Lambert reports from Phoenix, Babeu will run for re-election as sheriff instead. Phoenix's independent source of Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Ultimately, many residents of Pinal County, which voted 58 percent for Trump in 2020, align politically with Lamb. Karns' scathing message . In fact, Lambs constituents seem to love him: He was unopposed when he ran for reelection last fall and won another four-year term with 97 percent of the vote. Earlier in March, Gaffney also barred this reporter from entering a press conference held by Sheriff Babeu in a public building. There were middle-aged women with salon-styled hair hoping to take their picture with him. Super Fans, Mascot Mania, and All-Stars: Suns and Nuggets Get Ready to Rumble, Katie Hobbs Gets Singed After Unwrapping Tamale-tastrophe, Fight Night: How Phoenix Became a Hotbed for Mixed Martial Arts Champions, New Attainable Not Necessarily Affordable Housing Coming to Downtown Phoenix, I Love the Rivalry: Fans Soak Up U.S.-Mexico Soccer Showdown in the Valley. Last month, the Goldwater Institute, a conservative Arizona watchdog group, echoed concerns over Pinal Countys RICO spending and requested files from the Sheriff and County Attorney. Another patron of the diner walked by. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. (State records show, and Vale confirmed, that Lambs 2020 campaign provided a $10,000 loan to the group in August of last year.) Lamb, too, is on the advisory committee, but hes also the groups most prominent public representative. He was Pinal County's first Republican sheriff. Lamb said he wants to release RICO funds quarterlyand that he will require recipients to submit a breakdown of expenses, which will be reviewed by a committee before a request is approved. "That's just the worst kind of hypocrisy. [20], In 2011 and 2012, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office collected $7 million worth of surplus military equipment. You brother will also be contacted. Records show Babeu spent more than $53,000 to send 25 people to a weeklong conference in St. Louis at which he received a national award. Instead, his pro-sheriff messaging with media savvy and Trump-y politics thrown in the mix seems designed for a wider audience. Orozco says Babeu told him that he loved him and was with him exclusively. The district's incumbent representative, Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick, did not seek re-election as she instead ran for the U.S. Sheriffs in almost every state operate independently with limited oversight, giving them the freedom to engage in political advocacy and appear in the media. If you didn't know better, you might think Babeu is still sheriff, based on his website. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. See also: Babeu Sticks It to Taxpayers and a Volunteer Rescue Team. Gov. Devin Burghart, who runs the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights, which analyzes far-right social movements, says understanding sheriffs like Lamb is important in the long-term fight for democracy. Researcher Cloee Cooper said Lambs highly politicized approach to his job is ultimately undermining a safe and just society. Asked about how supporters might interpret his anti-government messaging, Lamb told me, Im a very pro-freedom person. And on Facebook, Babeu is still Pinal County's top law dog. Orozco claimed that Babeu had known that he was an illegal alien while they were lovers, at odds with Babeu's views on immigration policy. Robert Anglen investigates consumer issues for The Republic. Paul: No. A spokesperson for the NSA told me that, while the code of ethics is the basis of an organizational creed, sheriffs generally rely on their state laws for legal guidance. The message: Sheriffs are here to protect your freedom including freedom from your own democratically elected government. Babeu was tapping RICO funds to pay for Sheriff's Office travel as early as 2011. [6], In 2002, he moved to Arizona to pursue a law enforcement career as a police officer for the city of Chandler, Arizona. During his tenure he served a tour in Iraq and spent 17 months deployed in Arizona as a commander with Operation Jump Start (Southwest Border Mission). From November 8 onward, Babeu was like a man racing against the hourglass, appearing numerous times on Fox Business, Fox News and Fox 10 Phoenix, attired in his tan uniform. They just happen to support President Trump a lot. When I asked about the roughly 140 law enforcement officers who had been injured or killed while on duty at the Capitol doing a job Lamb also professes to cherish he demurred, saying he hadnt been there and couldnt say what was or wasnt true. For example, nearly $88,000 went to programs designed to boost morale or provide recreation for the Sheriff's Office such as golf outings or tickets to sporting events and banquets. The audit said those expenditures effectively bypassed the county's purchasing procedures, which require various levels of approval. Doug Barrett for POLITICO. ", DeRose wrote: "If you are serious about an amicable resolution to this, it is critical that no further offensive actions against my client be taken in the meantime. Babeu was tapping RICO funds to pay for Sheriff's Office travel as early as 2011. Doug Ducey in 2017 signed a lawto increase oversight ofRICO expenditures and give people a better ability to challengeforfeiture laws. But in a solidly conservative part of Arizona, Lamb so far has had plenty of leeway for more and more activities outside the county. Karns, promoted to captain in 2002, writes that Babeu's move is about gaining for himself "total and complete control and support, operationally and politically.". He says DeRose demanded the passwords to Babeu's websites and social-media accounts. Ex-Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu hearts the shiny badge and spiffy uniform of his erstwhile office so much that he seems loath to relinquish it online. Babeu and Voyles mismanaged more than $2 million, the FBI launched a probe into RICO expenditures, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. RICO refers to anti-racketeering laws that give authorities wide latitude to seize assets in criminal cases even if charges are not filed and then fund operations with the proceeds. He flashes a Hollywood smile as he talks about the shine on the badge. Many of the episodes are filmed in a low-budget style and feature Lamb as a guide, introducing viewers to other sheriffs in Nevada and Arizona. But ABC15 remains unable to confirm Gaffney's statement. Lamb said a recent major request involved $50,000 to pay for computer equipment that will allow investigators to download large amounts of data from cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices without inhibiting use. The law requires prosecutors to get approval from county boards of supervisors before using RICO funds. From 2006 to 2007, Babeu spent 17 months as commander of Task Force Yuma supervising 700 soldiers, where they supported the United States Border Patrol to achieve operational control and reduce illegal immigration. Those who are classified as "at-will" employees do not. Forfeiture money paid for Voyles' personal security system, retirement contributions of employees in his office and fundraising for the Sheriff's Office, according to the lawsuit. The case was settled in April 2018, according to court records. Cochise County uses RICO funds for scholarships, Governor signs bill to tighten rules on asset seizures by law enforcement. They contended the foundation operated as a pass-through for funds for Babeu and Voyles. PCSO mouthpiece Tim Gaffney, in a statement posted online by the Arizona Daily Star, dismissed Karns e-mail by citing that no decision yet has been made by the Board of Supervisors, that this was merely an "organizational change to improve operations.". Auditors said the pair funneled money to community groups without proper oversight and sometimes without paperwork detailing how the money would be spent. (In response to the incident, Texas passed a state law that forbids law enforcement agencies from partnering with reality television shows.) Court records show that problems at the school arose years before Babeu took over as headmaster. Babeu was born on February 3, 1969, in North Adams, Massachusetts, to Raymond and Helen Babeu. 5542%. Lamb says the new network is important because we just felt like it was important to give [sheriffs] their voice back. When I asked if Lamb was concerned about a repeat of what happened in Texas, Vale dismissed it saying that lots of things are out of [the sheriffs] control. One episode features deputies tasing new recruits as part of their training, and watching as they scream pain. All of Lambs activities outside Pinal County raise the question of whether he is making money off this work. The National Sheriffs Association, of which Lamb is a member, has a model code of ethics for sheriffs that prohibits using the office for private gain, among other things. ", A couple of minutes later, Babeu followed with: "And you say you have loved me? It would be an inappropriate use of already-limited resources to prosecute Orozco for a misdemeanor. In the open primary, Babeu ranked first but failed to reach the 50% threshold. I dont think that Black Lives Matter is productive for the Blacks, Lamb also told me. [26] Babeu stepped down as co-chair of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in Arizona, but received the continued support of U.S. Fight Night: How Phoenix Became a Hotbed for Mixed Martial Arts Champions, Super Fans, Mascot Mania, and All-Stars: Suns and Nuggets Get Ready to Rumble, Katie Hobbs Gets Singed After Unwrapping Tamale-tastrophe, New Attainable Not Necessarily Affordable Housing Coming to Downtown Phoenix, I Love the Rivalry: Fans Soak Up U.S.-Mexico Soccer Showdown in the Valley. Thank you for your inquiry, as you know we cannot confirm or deny the existence of investigations, said FBI Special Agent Matthew Reinsmoen. "If what [Babeu's attorney] says is correct [about Orozco's being illegal], either the sheriff had a long relationship with someone he knew was undocumented, while all the time being Mr. Bluster about the border and using it for political gain," or he threatened to deport someone he just broke up with, Merritt says. This 6-month-long detailed search led to the termination of Arpaio's top two deputies. They seemed unsurprised to see their sheriff talking to a reporter and flashing his TV-ready smile. Doug Barrett for POLITICO. Im already hurt me . [19], In late 2010, Babeu was asked by Maricopa County sheriff Joe Arpaio to investigate allegations of wrongdoing in Arapaio's department. Lamb said this month that he is reviewing every aspect of RICO expenditures before releasing funds and wants to create a new approval and review process. I have to protect the families of my county, even in the absence of the federal government. | Through Protect America Now, which was founded by a Republican strategist and two businesspeople working with Lamb and counterparts nationwide, he is marshalling dozens of other elected sheriffs and citizen supporters around these ideas building an army as the group puts it. The decision comes months after state auditors found Babeu and Voyles mismanaged more than $2 million in so-called racketeering, or RICO,funds. Lamb, center, speaks at a Turning Point Action gathering in Phoenix this past July. "[30], Babeu ran for Arizona's 1st congressional district in the 2016 elections. Karns, however, would have faced a nearly $15,000 pay cut. Phoenix's independent source of Your contact infoWe'll be in touch if we look into your question. Any money left over must be returned. [28] He was re-elected by a large margin on November 6, 2012. They exchanged more texts on September 6. He started his service as a private and rose through the ranks to major in the Arizona Army National Guard. Lamb fires his service pistol, a Glock 34. Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office website, which still lists Karns as leader of the Sheriff's Office Patrol Division, says of the captain: Although the board hasn't considered the matter, Karns' e-mail states that a member of Babeu's "executive staff relayed the message" to him that once he became an at-will employee, he would face termination. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. Babeu could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. Sheriffs good with me, Lamb said, looking abashed, like any good politician should. | Karns tells Babeu that his proposal ensures that if command staff doesn't "bow and accede" to his "every wish and desire, they face termination." | Doug Barrett for POLITICO. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu just won a primary for a competitive congressional seat in Arizona. Days after stepping down from a position with Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu sat down with CNN's Wolf Blitzer to talk about recent allegations that he. Melissa Weiss-Riner, Orozco's attorney, confirms her client's account. February 2, 2017 County officials have confirmed they are cooperating with federal investigators. [33], Babeu's tenure as sheriff ended on January 1, 2017, after his term expired. "We never found proof of criminal activity," he said. Perhaps Paul Babeu, the Arizona sheriff and former Romney campaign manager, should spend more time studying the Republican Party's approach to gay rights. Become a member to support the independent voice of Phoenix Super Fans, Mascot Mania, and All-Stars: Suns and Nuggets Get Ready to Rumble, Fight Night: How Phoenix Became a Hotbed for Mixed Martial Arts Champions, New Attainable Not Necessarily Affordable Housing Coming to Downtown Phoenix, Katie Hobbs Gets Singed After Unwrapping Tamale-tastrophe, I Love the Rivalry: Fans Soak Up U.S.-Mexico Soccer Showdown in the Valley. (FAIR has dismissed the characterization, calling the SPLC a partisan attack dog.) Earlier this summer, Lamb gathered some two dozen other sheriffs for a Protect America Now rally along the border in Arizona, where he declared, We are standing up for the Constitution, our oath and the rights of the people.. Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, for TV commercials featuring that damning home video. "[10] Babeu was not named in any allegation during the investigation by the state. "Jose came to our firm because he felt he was being intimidated, and he was in fear for his life," Weiss-Riner says. . On his person, Lamb has a 9mm Glock pistol, plus a long knife, a taser, handcuffs and extra ammunition, including a magazine with a Punisher skull on it. Orozco shared text messages between him and Babeu with New Times. Weve come to the range because shooting is Lambs favorite pastime. FLORENCE, Ariz. The first thing to know about Mark Lamb, the sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, is that he just plain looks like a sheriff. Babeu first mentioned the alleged crimes on Saturday, when he held a press conference to discuss Jose's allegations. Sheriff Paul Babeu is a decorated lawman, Iraq war veteran, and a corruption fighter. Initially, Lamb worked in pest control, with a focus on pigeons. . We'll be in touch if we look into your question. Lamb, 49, has jurisdiction over only Arizonas third most populous county, a stretch of desert wedged between Phoenix and Tucson thats home to about 500,000 people. [7], In 1997, he ran for mayor of North Adams against incumbent Democrat John Barrett III. Lamb says the network takes its inspiration from Live PD, an A&E show that ran from 2016 until 2020, when it was canceled after deputies in Williamson County, Texas, were caught on camera tasing a man named Javier Ambler, and ultimately killing him. Since taking office in 2017, Lamb has become the face of a new online streaming service called the American Sheriff Network and of a nonprofit coalition of sheriffs called Protect America Now; he also founded a charity, the American Sheriff Foundation. He barely seems to sweat. Pinal CountySheriff Mark Lamb said Wednesday that RICO funds no longer serve as a slush fund. In the weeks following the videos release, it was discovered Babeu also filed to run in the wrong congressional district and his financial disclosure forms were late. Pinal County Supervisor Jeff Serdy, who owns what he describes as a very high-volume gun shop in the area, told me, You could not ask for a better advocate for the Second Amendment than Sheriff Lamb. The back of Lambs black Chevy Silverado 2500 HD contains his workaday weaponry, including an AR-15 SBR. [14] Babeu was reelected in 2012 with 53.3% of the votes, winning out over Democrat and independent candidates. Career as Pinal County Sheriff and runs for higher office, 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona District 4, 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona District 1, "Sheriff-elect Babeu won't finish year with Chandler police", "Babeu says he was victim of priest abuse", "Arizona sheriff Paul Babeu, originally from Western Mass., resigns from Mitt Romney's Arizona campaign after misconduct allegations by former lover", The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts), "MA State Senate Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire & Franklin Race", "It's official: Barrett and Babeu will square off again in race for mayor of North Adams", "Babeu kicks off his campaign with event at the Holiday Inn", "Legal trouble dogged Mass.
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