Arizona Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu is overwhelmingly supported by Republicans in August 2012 primary

PHOENIX AZ (September 1, 2012) — A seven-month criminal investigation into allegations that Pinal County Arizona Sheriff Paul Babeu misused his authority in regards to a personal relationship found that Babeu committed no criminal violations and therefore no charges will be filed, Solicitor General Dave Cole announced on Friday, August 31, 2012.

Cole oversaw the investigation as Attorney General Tom Horne was screened from the process to avoid the appearance of any conflict of interest.

Earlier this year, Babeu asked the Attorney General’s Office to investigate claims made by Babeu’s former boyfriend, Jose Orozco, who accused Babeu of abuse of authority, threats, and intimidation. In addition, Babeu accused Orozco of theft of property and identity theft stemming from Orozco’s handling of Babeu-related websites and twitter accounts.

“The Attorney General’s Office will not file charges against either Babeu or Orozco,” Cole said. “The investigation determined that Babeu did not commit any criminal violations and further concluded that, although Orozco conducted himself in a manner that may constitute a violation of the law, there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction on anything more than a misdemeanor charge. It would be an inappropriate use of already-limited resources to prosecute Orozco for a misdemeanor.”

Babeu handily beat three Republican challengers to win its party nomination for the office of Pinal County Sheriff. Babeu will face an Independent and a Democrat in the November 2012 general election.

The independent U. S. Solicitor General’s finding in the criminal wrongdoing inquiry was not released prior to the Primary.

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