Allegations of sexual and ethical misconduct at Arizona National Guard aired during public forum

May 28, 2013

A group of Democratic state lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday about allegations of sexual and ethical misconduct at the Arizona National Guard.  The public forum follows a series of recent investigations into bad behavior over the past eight years.

The allegations were first reported by The Arizona Republic last year. Then, an internal investigation by the Arizona National Guard verified similar claims by guard members who said they were harassed and demoted by their leaders for reporting the problems.

“We have senior leaders who are involved in inappropriate relationships. They know about the inappropriate relationships, and nobody’s taking corrective action," White said ."Nothing is going to change as long as people aren’t prosecuted and people aren’t fired.”

Democratic State Representative Debbie McCune Davis organized the hearing that was not attended by any Republicans or top guard leaders. She wants state lawmakers and Governor Brewer to have more guard oversight, but Brewer and Davis agree the guard is not “broken” and can operate more effectively under new leadership.