TUCSON, Ariz. — GOP Pima County Sheriff candidate Heather Lappin and the president of the Pima County deputies organization Sergeant Aaron Cross were placed on administrative leave.
On Oct. 12, members of the department received multiple reports of deputies standing at the intersection of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon, holding a sign that read, "Deputies don't want Nanos."
PCSD says several citizens described the display as intimidating. Many noted that it was disrespectful for on-duty deputies to engage in political activities.
It was determined one of the people involved was Sergeant Aaron Cross.
Although Sergeant Cross was off-duty, he was dressed in department-issued attire, including green BDU cargo pants, a tan polo shirt, and tan boots, and was equipped with a weapon in a holster, magazine pouch, and handcuffs.
He was contacted by supervisors to remind him he was not authorized to engage in political activities while dressed in a manner that suggested he was acting as a police officer.
Sergeant Cross was warned that any future political involvement should not include portraying himself as law enforcement.
On Oct. 14, Sergeant Cross was seen at the northwest corner of Ina and Thornydale Roads participating in political activities while wearing tan BDU cargo pants, tan boots, a gray shirt, a weapon in a holster, and his magazine pouch with handcuffs.
He was seen holding a sign that read "Deputy don't want Nanos." This was a direct violent of his commander's orders, by appearing equipped like a law enforcement officer.
PCSD says they recognize his activity represented potential violations all of which would be very serious.
He was placed on paid administrative leave for the time required to fully investigate.
PCSD says it is known Sergeant Cross is collaborating with Lieutenant Heather Lappin on her campaign, Lt. Lappin's chain-in-command questioned her about her knowledge of Cross's activities.
She admitted she was aware of signs being made and Sgt. Cross would be positioned near Udall Park and later on Thornydale Road, but was not aware when this was supposed to happen.
Lt. Lappin believed these activities were protected under First Amendment rights and there were no violations of department rules or regulations.
The Hatch Act restrictions do not violate the 1st, 5th, 9th, or 10th amendment and both county or department rules are clear in defining these acts as prohibited.
Lt. Lappin had been working with a local reporter. The information available shows that Lt. Lappin colluded with a journalist to facilitate payment to an inmate in exchange for a news story.
Lt. Lappin granted the journalist access to inmates for interviews and provided him with access to deposit funds into the inmates' accounts.
Due to the nature of the possible violations, PCSD says referrals will be made to the Arizona Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
