UPDATE: PCSD issues reasons behind putting Sheriff candidate Lappin on leave

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.:

The Pima County Sheriff's Department issued a news release regarding Lt. Heather Lappin being placed on administrative leave.

In the statement, PCSD said Sgt. Aaron Cross, who is collaborating with Lappin on her campaign, according to the release, was seen at the intersection of Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon with a sign that read, "Deputies don't want Nanos."

Cross was off-duty, but was dressed in department-issued attire, including green BDU cargo pants, a tan polo shoot, tan boots, a weapon in a holster, a magazine pouch and handcuffs, the release said.

Superiors contacted him to remind him he was not allowed to engage in political activities while dressed in a way that suggested he was acting as a police officer. Cross was told any future political involvement should not include portraying himself as law enforcement, the news release said.

Two days later, on Oct. 14, Cross was seen at Ina Road and Thornydale Road, participating in political activities while wearing several of the same pieces, including handcuffs and a weapon in a holster, with the same sign, the news release said.

Cross was placed on administrative leave for his actions.

While looking into the matter, Lt. Lappin's superior questioned her about her knowledge of Cross' activities. Lappin admitted she knew about the signs being made and where Cross would be located, but didn't know when it was supposed to happen.

According to the news release, Lappin said she believed the activities were protected under First Amendment rights and there were no violations of department rules and regulations nor merit system rules.

The news release noted in response: "Case law is clear, the Hatch Act restrictions do not violate the 1st, 5th, 9th, or 10th amendment and both county and department rules are also clear in defining these acts as prohibited."

A follow-up inquiry noted that Lappin had been working with a local reporter to facilitate payment to an inmate in exchange for a news story, the news release said. Lappin gave the journalist access to inmates for interviews and provided him with access to deposit funds into the inmates' accounts, the news release said.

"These actions raise several policy and ethical concerns regarding appropriate conduct of jail business by command staff," the news release said.

The release said the administrative leave "affords the department the ability to halt any further activities so that a proper inquiry can be completed."

The release continued: "When it comes to the integrity of our jail procedures, even the appearance of impropriety must be treated as a critical issue. We have an obligation to the public that supersedes all campaign initiatives and that is to ensure fairness and political neutrality. This situation raises enough concern that administrative leave and further inquiry is merited."

The case will be referred to the Arizona Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the news release said.

——————————————————-

Republican Pima County Sheriff candidate and 19-year department veteran Heather Lappin has been placed on administrative leave by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, she confirmed in an email to KGUN 9 Tuesday morning.

Lappin, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Sheriff Chris Nanos in November's election, said "I have been placed on administrative leave by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. I have been directed to not discuss the reasons, so that the only information is provided by the Sheriff and his administration."

Lappin, who currently serves as the East Section Commander at the Pima County Adult Detention Center, then pointed towards the election as a potential reason for the decision, saying "This appears to be yet another attempt to suppress the opinions of both myself and numerous other employees that are hoping for positive change in leadership, undermining freedom of speech and open discourse. I have done nothing wrong other than challenge him in an election."

KGUN 9 has reached out to the Pima County Sheriff's Department for more information, but have not heard back as of time of publication.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to bring you updates as they come in on-air and online.