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Pima County sheriff faces criticism after GOP challenger put on administrative leave

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos
Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos lashes out May 8, 2023, at the federal government for failing to deliver on its responsibilities for dealing with the border and immigration. Nanos was speaking at a press conference organized by Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is facing criticism for putting his political opponent and a union leader on administrative leave.

Republican candidate for sheriff Heather Lappin was placed on administrative leave Monday for allegedly colluding with a journalist to pay an inmate in the Pima County jail for a story.  

Aaron Cross, the president of a Deputy’s Union opposing the sheriff, was also placed on leave for holding signs on street corners for Lappin’s campaign while appearing to be dressed in law enforcement style clothing. 

Read this developing story on AZPM.org →