Immigrant Files $1M Claim Against Arizona Sheriff

A Mexican immigrant who had a romantic relationship with an Arizona sheriff has filed a $1 million notice of claim against the sheriff and the county.

Pinal County Sheriff’s officials say the precursor to a lawsuit was received by their office, but they declined further comment.

Last month, Sheriff Paul Babeu announced that he’s gay and once had a relationship with Jose Orozco while the immigrant was a campaign volunteer.

Orozco has accused Babeu of threatening to deport him if he revealed their relationship. Babeu has denied any wrongdoing and has asked for an independent investigation into the matter.

The Arizona Republic newspaper says Orozco’s claim creates new complexities for Babeu, who’s completing his first term as sheriff and is running for a congressional seat in Arizona’s conservative 4th District.