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State Sen. Otoniel “Tony” Navarrete, a Phoenix Democrat, was charged
with multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
An Arizona lawmaker has resigned after he was accused of having
sexual contact with a minor in 2019.
Republican Senate President Karen Fann and Democratic Leader Rebecca
Rios issued a joint statement accepting the resignation of state
Sen. Otoniel “Tony” Navarrete on Tuesday.
"Moments ago, Senator Tony Navarrete tendered his resignation,
effectively immediately," they said in the statement. "This was the
right thing to do considering the serious allegations. We know that
the Arizona Judicial Branch will deliver justice and pray for
healing and support for all victims."
The resignation comes after the Phoenix Democrat was booked Thursday
on multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor and other charges.
Navarrete, who could not be immediately reached for comment
Wednesday, told The Associated Press that he "adamantly" denies "all allegations that have been made and will pursue all avenues in an
effort to prove my innocence. In doing so, I will be focusing the
vast majority of my time and energy on my defense.”
Phoenix police started looking at allegations against Navarrete last
Wednesday, Sgt. Andrew Williams said. After "detectives interviewed
a juvenile victim and witnesses," they had "probable cause to arrest
the suspect, Otoniel Navarrete," according to police.
In a recorded phone call with the accuser Thursday, authorities said
Navarrete admitted that he regretted touching the boy, saying, "I'm
sorry, mijo," according to a probable cause statement obtained by
NBC News.
When the accuser asked the lawmaker why he touched him, Navarrete
allegedly apologized, acknowledged his mistakes and repeatedly told
the victim none of it was the boy's fault, the document stated.
Later that same day, Navarrete was taken into custody at his home in
Phoenix, according to the statement.
He was released Saturday on a $50,000 bond and ordered to wear an
electronic monitor, according to The Arizona Republic.
A status conference in his case is scheduled for Thursday morning.
He is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on
Monday.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arizona-lawmaker-resigns- after-arrest-child-sex-abuse-case-n1276532
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