Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wants to hear all of the facts about the allegations of human smuggling and fraud leveled against Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen, but the governor thinks the looming legal battle requires the assessor’s undivided attention.
As conspiracy and fraud charges were announced against Peterson in Arizona, Ducey was made aware of simultaneous indictments handed down against the assessor in Utah and Arkansas.
The Arizona grand jury indicted Petersen on charges of illegally bringing pregnant mothers from the Marshall Islands to the Valley in an adoption scheme.
He then reportedly registered them under the state Medicaid system, costing Arizona taxpayers more than $800,000 in medical care.
“There's going to be a DPS-led investigation on this. And once we have all the facts, I'll be able to share with you how I feel. But this, I think, was a surprise to all. And now we're going to let the process work,” said Ducey.
Ducey is concerned the investigation will prevent Petersen from doing his job effectively and suggested the assessor step down.