PHOENIX — On Friday, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to uphold County Assessor Paul Petersen’s 120-day suspension imposed by the Board and to initiate the removal process for Petersen.
The supervisors asked the County Attorney to investigate “willful misconduct” by Petersen while serving as the County Assessor.
Petersen is accused of running an international human smuggling operation.
Related article: Paul Petersen’s Co-Conspirator in Alleged Marshallese Adoption Fraud Scheme Cuts Plea Deal
Petersen’s alleged co-conspirator in an alleged adoption fraud scheme, Lynwood Jennet, has pleaded guilty earlier in December to Conspiracy to Commit Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, Two Counts of Theft, and Failure to File a Tax Return. Jennet cut a deal with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
| BOARD OF SUPERVISORS |
| The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in Special Session at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 27, 2019, in the Sullivan/Supervisors’ Conference Room, 301 W. Jefferson, 10th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Bill Gates, Chairman, District 3; Clint Hickman, Vice Chairman, District 4; Jack Sellers, District 1 (via phone); Steve Chucri, District 2; Steve Gallardo, District 5. |
| EXECUTIVE SESSION |
| Vote to convene in Executive Session to consider the items on the Special Executive Agenda dated December 27, 2019, for Board of Supervisors and relevant Special Districts pursuant to the statutory authority listed for each item. |
| Motion to approve by Supervisor Hickman, seconded by Supervisor Sellers |
| Ayes: Sellers, Gates, Hickman Absent: Chucri, Gallardo ~ Supervisor Chucri and Supervisor Gallardo entered during Executive Session |
| OPEN SESSION |
| POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD RELATED TO THE COUNTY ASSESSOR, PAUL PETERSEN
Consider taking action concerning the powers and duties of the Board related to the County Assessor, Paul Petersen. The Board may take action relating to the County Assessor and the Board’s powers and duties. (C-19-20-035-M-00) |
| Before the motion Supervisors made comments about this issue. Supervisor Hickman made the following motion:
Move to sustain the 120-day suspension of Assessor Paul Petersen pursuant to ARS 11-664 and issue an opinion in support of our decision. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Chucri The Clerk called the roll with the following result: |
| Ayes: Sellers, Chucri, Gates, Hickman, Gallardo |
| Supervisor Hickman made the following motion:
Move to recommend the County Attorney pursue removal of the Assessor Paul Petersen for willful misconduct in office pursuant to ARS 38-341. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Chucri The Clerk called the roll with the following result: |
| Ayes: Sellers, Chucri, Gates, Hickman, Gallardo |
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