As you know recent news stories about Sheriff Paul Babeu have raised various questions which some people believe call for an investigation.

Sheriff Babeu in his official capacity and his office are clients of the County Attorney’s Office.

It would constitute an actual or apparent conflict of interest for me or my office to conduct any investigation.

The Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council’s (APAAC) has established a procedure to address this situation.

After careful consideration I have decided to refer all matters involving Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu to the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council’s (APAAC) Public Integrity Task Force.

The Task Force was created in 1992 to “provide a forum to which elected prosecuting attorneys could refer and request review of allegations of breach of public trust” by elected public officials. This task force was created to ensure an impartial, decision making process.

According to the agreement, Pinal Count is part of the Public Integrity Task Force Southern Subcommittee, which includes the County Attorneys of Cochise, Gila, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yuma Counties and the Tucson City Prosecutor. 

I have spoken with Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall as the Chair of the Southern Subcommittee, and she has agreed to see that these issues will be reviewed in accordance with the Task Force Guidelines

James P. Walsh

Pinal County Attorney