Arizona lawmaker resigns after arrest in child sex abuse case
The resignation comes after the Phoenix Democrat was booked Thursday on multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor and other charges.
Navarrete, who could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday, told The Associated Press that he "adamantly" denies "all allegations that have been made and will pursue all avenues in an effort to prove my innocence. In doing so, I will be focusing the vast majority of my time and energy on my defense.”
He added: “While I would love nothing more than to continue to serve the families of Arizona’s 30th District, I worry it will be impossible to give my constituents the full attention they deserve. Therefore, I must resign my post as Arizona State Senator today."
Phoenix police started looking at allegations against Navarrete last Wednesday, Sgt. Andrew Williams said. After "detectives interviewed a juvenile victim and witnesses," they had "probable cause to arrest the suspect, Otoniel Navarrete," according to police.
