Arizona State Senator Kelly Townsend files ethics complaint regarding Democrat State Senator Tony Navarrete
August 9, 2021
Members of the Ethics Committee
Arizona Senate
1700 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007
Re: Ethics Complaint regarding Senator Tony Navarrete
Dear Members of the Committee:
By this letter, I submit a formal ethics complaint against Senator Tony Navarrete. Senator Navarrete is accused of child molestation in a police report, which includes his acknowledgement and apology to the victim. I formally request that the Ethics Committee immediately convene to examine this allegation and make recommendation regarding discipline. If the recommendation for discipline included expulsion, I petition that the Ethics Committee make a formal request to the Governor's office to convene a special session for the purposes of holding the necessary vote to expel.
This matter is of such egregious nature that it warrants expedient action that cannot wait until the Legislature resumes session in January of 2022. I therefore petition Chairwoman Kerr to convene the committee within the week, unless resignation is tendered by Senator Tony Navarrete prior to the convening of the committee. During this committee hearings, I would like the following questions explored and answered:
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When was the allegation against Senator Tony Navarrete first made, to whom, and what steps have been taken to correct the issue?
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Have there been any other similar accusations made regarding Senator Tony Navarrete, to include sexual harassment of a co-worker or subordinate? a. If so, who was made aware of the allegation and what steps were taken to rectify the situation?
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Was any person at the Arizona State Capitol, or in any other governmental agency in the State of Arizona aware of any accusation of a sexual nature leveled against Senator Tony Navarrete?
a. If so, who were they, when were they made aware of the situation, and what actions did they take to rectify the situation?
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To what extent has Senator Tony Navarrete used state resources to advance the effort to expose minors under the age of 12 to sexual content, to include such content in the public school system?
Senate Committee Rules:
Rule 7(2). The chairman sets the agenda and determines the order of measures. The chairman also controls all public testimony.
Rule 7, Section 7- With the exception of executive session ordered by a majority of the committee constituting a quorum, all committee meetings shall be open to the other members of the Legislature, the press and public so long as proper decorum is maintained.
For the safety of our staff, elected officials, and the public, I am asking that these allegations be addressed through the formal process of the ethics committee, and that should the committee find cause, a recommendation to the Governor to call a special session to take action be made as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Sen. Kelly Townsend Legislative District 16
https://t.me/ArizonaConservatives/2537