Scottsdale detectives have found probable cause to file charges against Paradise Valley Town Councilman Paul Dembow for theft, according to police.
Dembow was allegedly caught on camera stealing a cross from a memorial made for a man killed after being struck by a car in 2015.
The car was driven by then-Vice Mayor Dembow’s daughter, who was never charged with a crime because the act was ruled an accident.
The theft investigation was conducted by Scottsdale detectives to avoid conflict of interest.
If charged with theft, Dembow would face a Class 1 misdemeanor, which comes with a maximum penalty of six months in jail.
Dembow denies the allegations and has declined to comment on the investigation.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified for clarity.
