TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — The Pima County Sheriff’s decision to place a political opponent and one of his supporters on leave could soon end up in federal court.
On Friday, News 4 Tucson learned that Sheriff Chris Nanoz has been charged with a federal lawsuit.
News 4 Tucson has learned that a federal lawsuit has been filed against Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Lt. Heather Lappin and Sgt. Sheriff Aaron Cross accused Cross of campaigning in clothing that the sheriff claimed closely resembled the department’s uniform, and that Lapin conspired with a local reporter to pay for interviews with inmates. Both were placed on leave earlier this week due to suspicions.
The federal lawsuit was just filed against Sheriff Chris Nanos on behalf of Sgt. Aaron Cross. The group accuses Nanos of violating Cross’ civil rights in his decision to place him on administrative leave.
“In my experience, it is unprecedented for a candidate to be silenced by their political opponents,” said AZCOPS attorney Steve Cervarik.
Steve Cervarik is an attorney with AZCOPS, which represents thousands of law enforcement officers across the state, and also represents Lt. Heather Lappin and Sergeant Heather Lappin. Both Aaron Cross were recently placed on administrative leave by Sheriff Nanos.
Mr. Cervarik just filed a federal civil lawsuit against Nanos for violating Cross’s civil rights.
The sheriff’s office said Cross was campaigning for Lappin wearing clothing that could be mistaken for a department uniform. He claims his boss told him to stop, but he did it again on Monday.
Mr. Cervarik said the costume belonged entirely to Mr. Cross.
“Chorus, you and I could have gone to a protest and dressed exactly the same and we are not impersonating police officers or security forces in any way. have a constitutional right to wear what they want while off-duty,” he said.
Lappin, who is not named in the suit, is accused of knowing about Cross’s problems and of colluding with local reporters to pay inmates for interviews.
“I’ve done nothing wrong, but they’re effectively using this to silence me,” Lappin said.
News 4 Tucson reached out to Nanos about the lawsuit via text message. He said he never comments on pending litigation.
Cross and Lappin are being held under gag orders and are unable to address the charges. Mr Serbalik wants the measures to be lifted as he feels irreparable damage has been done as people have already voted in the next elections.
“This goes against everything we think the Constitution means, and we look forward to seeing it resolved in court,” he said.
News 4 Tucson asked Cervarik if a similar lawsuit might be filed soon on behalf of Heather Lappin, saying it’s possible, but he couldn’t say more at this time. said.
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