Cochise County sheriff: employee of County Attorney’s office terminated; suspect arrested amid Sierra Vista investigation
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Summary
Sheriff Mark Daniels said a civil‑division employee in County Attorney Lori Zuko’s office was terminated after allegations involving a young girl; Sierra Vista Police led an investigation and the individual was taken into custody near I‑10 and Benson. The investigation is ongoing and Daniels urged victim‑centered support.
Sheriff Mark Daniels said on the KWCD First Watch radio program that an employee who worked in the civil side of the County Attorney’s office was terminated after a complaint alleging inappropriate conduct involving a young girl, and Sierra Vista police led a criminal investigation that resulted in an arrest.
Daniels said County Attorney Lori Zuko issued a press release and that law enforcement agencies coordinated overnight. He described a law‑enforcement “hybrid stop” near I‑10 and Benson where the suspect was taken into custody and placed in jail “to face these allegations.” The sheriff emphasized support for the victim and for multi‑agency cooperation. “Nobody’s above the rule of law,” Daniels said, adding that the family “did the right thing” by reporting what they saw.
The sheriff identified the employee as someone who worked on civil matters such as litigation and contracts; he said the county began responding once the family reported the incident and that Sierra Vista Police Department led the investigation. Daniels described the response as involving the police chief, his team, the sheriff’s office and County Attorney Lori Zuko’s office working together to make sure investigators proceeded “in the right direction for this victim.”
The sheriff did not provide the employee’s name, the exact charges, or the suspect’s booking information on air. Daniels said the individual is “sitting in jail” and will face the allegations, but he did not specify formal charges or court dates. The County Attorney’s press release referenced in the program was cited by Daniels as the office’s public notice about the termination; the press release text and any charging documents were not read into the record on the broadcast.
Officials urged patience while the investigation continues and asked anyone with relevant information to contact Sierra Vista Police Department. The sheriff reiterated the county’s emphasis on victim support and interagency coordination; next public steps include any filings by the police or county attorney and the scheduling of any initial court appearances.