Arizona state senator accused of sexual conduct with minor
Navarrete allegedly abused a boy multiple times
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY/AP/CNN) - Senator Tony Navarrete was recently charged with sexually abusing a boy and attempting to abuse another. Governor Doug Ducey and Arizonan Democratic lawmakers are now calling for the senator's resignation.
Prosecutors allege Sen. Navarrete abused a boy over a period of several years while they lived together.
Detectives documented that the boy claims the abuse began when he was around 12 or 13. Now 16, the boy says the abuse continued through his 15th birthday.
According to the teen's younger brother, police say "he pushed away Navarrete's hand when the lawmaker touched his inner thigh."
Investigators found an audio recording which stated that Navarrete himself "told the victim that nothing he did was his fault," and that "Navarrete told the victim he wasn't well."
CNN reached out to Navarrete's attorney, Roland Rillos, to which Rillos stated, "We have no public comment at this time but want to emphasize the importance of the presumption of innocence in this case."
The Arizona Senate and House Democrats called for the senator's resignation, saying, "The circumstances and serious nature of the felony charges faced by Senator Navarrete provide an untenable distraction from his role as an election official and public servant for District 30.
The statement followed with, "Abuse of this kind is intolerable and our hearts go out to the victims. He should do the right thing for all involved and immediately resign from the Legislature."
Navarrete has not yet entered a plea. Media outlets were not able to reach him for comment either.
This is a continuing investigation. Please stay with KYMA.com for continuing updates.