Apache County Attorney Questions State Senator Over Residency

The top prosecutor in Apache County is warning a newly-appointed legislator that he needs to prove his residency or lose his seat. 

When State Senator Jack Jackson, Jr. resigned to take a job in Washington, D.C., the Apache County Board of Supervisors appointed Carlyle Begay to serve out the rest of his term. Begay says he lives in Ganado, in Apache County .

But he’s being challenged by State Representative Albert Hale, who says Begay previously claimed residency in Gilbert. The Apache County Attorney’s Office, citing documents provided by Hale, has sent a letter to Begay telling him he must prove he meets the residency requirement.

The County Attorney ’s office says it'll go to court to seek his removal if he doesn't provide adequate proof. Begay has said he meets the residency requirement.