SanTanValley.com

Below is a letter sent earlier today to Gila County Sheriff John Armor (Democrat) and Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores (Republican) requesting a comprehensive investigation into recent allegations.

Sheriff Babeu stated, "Today, I have requested a comprehensive investigation into allegations made against me and my office, as well as crimes committed against me.  I have full trust in Sheriff Armor and County Attorney Flores to fairly investigate all matters."

On September 15th, 2011 at 7:12 p.m. the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office responded to a serious injury collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Hunt Highway and Bella Vista Road in San Tan Valley.

The collision occurred when Jacqueline Minto failed to stop her vehicle for the red traffic signal.  She drove into the backend of another vehicle which then stuck another vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle which was initially struck had to be transported by ambulance to Banner Ironwood Hospital for head, neck, leg and arm injuries.

A 30-year-old Pinal County resident had listed his 1997 Cadillac Deville for sale online through “Craigslist.”  On July 16th he received a phone call from a male subject who identified himself as “G.”  It was later determined “G” was in fact Donetrius G. Ward (age 29 of Chandler).

The victim and Ward met in San Tan Valley later that day and Ward asked if he could drive the vehicle to his mechanic so he could inspect it.  The victim drove with Ward to his mechanics house.  The mechanic checked the vehicle out and then Ward and the victim left.  The victim dropped Ward off at a house in San Tan Valley so Ward could think about the purchase.

On Monday, July 18th, 2011 the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office hired Elias Johnson as our new Public Information Officer.  Elias will serve as the main point of contact between our office and local, state and national media.  His duties will include media relations and the development of print, audio and video news items to be released to the public.  To reach Elias directly you can call his office at 520-866-5208.

Elias has an extensive media background and is a decorated graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, where he earned his degree in broadcast journalism.

On July 4th, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Kenneth Dickey (age 47 of Kearny) and his brother-in-law Steve Hatfield (age 35 of Kearny) got into a verbal argument which later escalated into a physical fight.  The fight first started after the two men had been drinking alcohol and then began to argue about another family member.  The argument quickly escalated to a physical fight between the two men.  Both of their wives soon separated the two men and Hatfield went to leave in his vehicle.