[ad_1]
“It was the right thing to do given the serious allegations,” Arizona Senate Speaker Karen Fann and Minority Leader Rebecca Rios said in a joint statement announcing Navarrete’s resignation.
Lawmakers on both sides and GOP Governor Doug Ducey had asked Navarrete to step down after he was arrested and jailed earlier this month on seven felony counts, including sexual interference with a minor, la pedophilia and attempted sexual contact with a minor.
Navarrete was elected state senator in 2018, representing Arizona’s 30th district, and previously served as state representative.
An alleged victim, now 16, said Navarrete had repeatedly abused him while living in the same residence in Phoenix, from the age of 12 or 13 and up to the age 15, according to the indictment document filed in court. in Maricopa County.
Investigators say they made an audio recording this month of Navarrete apologizing to the victim. “Otoniel told the victim he was not well,” according to the prosecution document. “Otoniel told the victim that nothing he had done was his fault.”
The victim suffers from anxiety and anger issues resulting from the alleged abuse, according to the indictment document. The 13-year-old brother of the teenager also told police that Navarrete touched his upper leg, prompting the boy to slap Navarrete’s hand, according to the charge document.
After Navarrete’s arrest, Ducey called for the immediate resignation of the state legislator.
“These allegations are heinous,” Ducey said in a tweet at the time. “My prayers are with the young victims and their loved ones during this traumatic time.”
Navarrete, who has yet to argue for the charges, was released from jail after posting $ 50,000 bail and agreeing to electronic surveillance. His attorney, Roland Rillos, did not respond to CNN messages seeking comment.
A status conference in the case is scheduled for Thursday, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for next Monday.
“We know the Arizona judiciary will deliver justice,” Fann and Rios said in their statement Tuesday, “and will pray for healing and support for all victims.”
[ad_2]
Source link