Sheriff Paul Babeu Sued By Ex-BF

Arizona Sheriff Paul Babeu has been sued for $1 million by his former boyfriend, Jose Orozco. The claims contained in the lawsuit have not yet been disclosed.

Tim Gaffney, Sheriff’s Office director of communications and grants, issued this statement in response to a request for comment: “A notice of claim was provided to our office earlier today regarding this matter. As with any pending civil litigation, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.” The claim creates new complexities for Babeu, who is completing his first term as sheriff and is running for a congressional seat in central Arizona. Babeu’s relationship with Orozco surfaced Feb.17 when the Phoenix New Times alleged the sheriff and his attorney, Chris DeRose, had threatened that the former boyfriend, who is Mexican, could be deported if he revealed the relationship.

Both GOProud and the Log Cabin Republicans have reportedly discussed working with Babeu’s congressional campaign, which is still active at this writing.