Editor’s Note: Since this article was published, DesJarlais has admitted to faking the cyberattack.
After the media indicted the 19 year old, Timothy DesJarlais submitted his resignation to Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller this week. Miller gratefully accepted the resignation.
Miller believes that DesJarlais departure will allow her and her staff to focus on the issues that “matter to County residents.” Miller hopes the FBI will continue the investigation into the matter and that anyone responsible for the creation of a faux website is held responsible.
Controversy surrounded DesJarlais after emails were sent out in the name of a “Jim Falcon” for the “Arizona Daily Herald.” The emails requested input from Pima County Board of Supervisor candidates about Miller’s road plan. Some speculated that the answers might have benefitted Miller. The media was then steered to DesJarlais by Miller’s opponent in the Republican Primary, John Winchester.
While DesJarlais was adamant that he was not behind the website, the media connected remote dots and all but indicted the unusual 19 year old. At the same time, Miller stood by her young employee as the media attempted to crucify him. She insisted that the FBI investigate the matter, rather than allow the young man to be prosecuted by the press.
It was Winchester’s claim that he received an email from the “Jim Falcon” character prior to the publication of the false website that raised eyebrows and questions about his motivations. He appeared to be intent on driving the prosecution of the young man at every opportunity; denying him due process. When the Arizona Daily Independent asked Winchester to turn over the email and any metadata associated with it, Winchester responded: “… I stand to gain nothing from working with you… ”
Winchester, who has been publically caught in several lies during his short campaign, had attempted to gain advantage over Miller by implying that she was involved with the creation of the fake website.
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