Sheriff says politics has nothing to do with electoral rival’s leave of absence

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Pima Sheriff Chris Nanos says politics had nothing to do with his decision to place a political opponent on administrative leave.

His decision to place a female employee who is running against him for sheriff on leave has caused quite a stir.

Sheriff’s Lieutenant Heather Lappin faces off against Nanos. On Tuesday, he placed her on paid leave pending an investigation into possible violations of department rules. He says she failed to stop another lawmaker from unlawfully wearing uniform while he was campaigning for her – and that she unlawfully helped a reporter arrange interviews with a prison inmate.

KGUN reporter Craig Smith asked the sheriff about critics who say his timing seems very political.

Smith said: “…that a candidate, an election rival for you, is basically eliminated, at least in the workplace, shortly before the election.”

Nanos: “Well, the timing is not my timing. I have not violated any policies. If a policy is violated, we must follow all the rules. It’s really that simple: If you don’t follow the rules, then it’s my job to enforce those rules.”

The sheriff says that in the interest of independence, the attorney general’s office conducts the investigation and decides whether anyone has violated department rules. Nanos says keeping someone like Lappin at home to collect his salary protects the integrity of the investigation.

Lappin says investigative rules prevent her from talking about it and telling her side of the story.