TUCSON, Ariz. — A letter from the Attorney General's Office sent on Thursday to Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher confirms they will proceed with an investigation into how Sheriff Chris Nanos handled an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a female deputy.
This letter comes after the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to request an investigation back in September.
They expressed concerns with how internal investigations are to be conducted.
The situation is tied to the arrest of former Sergeant Ricky Garcia who was accused of sexual assault during a house party in December last year.
That case is still being litigated.
Dawn Barkman with the union representing was hoping for this day after feeling the victims requests for an internal investigation weren't being taken as seriously as they should be.
"I think we're just pleased the investigation is going to go forward and I think the victim is probably relieved," she said.
The Attorney General's Office says it will be meeting with county leadership to start collecting all the facts.
News 4 Tucson reached out to Sheriff Nanos for comment, but haven't heard back.
News 4 Tucson reached out to the Arizona Attorney General's office for comment, and they responded:
"The AG’s Office cannot comment on pending investigations. We don’t have statement to make at this time. See attached for the letter sent accepting the investigation request."
We will keep you updated as we learn more.
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