AZ Dem Caucus Calls for LGBTQ Dem Sen to Resign After Being Hit With Seven Felonies As Details Emerge of Sexual Conduct With Male Teens

Details have emerged regarding the arrest of LGBTQ Caucus member and Arizona Democratic State Sen Tony Navarrete.

It has been reported that he was charged with seven felonies in conjunction with sexual conduct with two male teenagers.

The Arizona Legislative Democrats issued a statement calling on Navarrete to resign after he appeared in court for a bond hearing.

“In light of these disturbing charges, House and Senate Democrats are calling on Senator Navarrete to resign immediately. Abuse of this kind is intolerable and our hearts go out to the victims,” the Arizona Senate Democrats said in a tweet with the statement.

In light of these disturbing charges, House and Senate Democrats are calling on Senator Navarrete to resign immediately. Abuse of this kind is intolerable and our hearts go out to the victims. pic.twitter.com/odBj96iyTt

— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) August 6, 2021

Bond was set at $50,000 by Maricopa County Superior Court Commissioner Steve McCarthy at the hearing and numerous restrictions will be place on Navarrete, should he be released from jail.

According to a probable cause statement that was released as part of court records shortly after Navarrete’s arraignment, police interviewed the alleged victims and then had one of them call him.

The seven felony charges against Navarette recommended by the police involve four offenses including three counts of sexual conduct with a minor, one count of molestation of a child, punishable as Class 2 felonies because the alleged victim was under age 15, two counts of sexual conduct with a minor, punishable as Class 6 felonies because the alleged victim was age 15 or older and one count of attempted sexual conduct with a minor, punishable as a Class 3 felony.

The Arizona Republic detailed the statement, which provides graphic details:

In the recorded call, monitored by police, Navarrete, 35, acknowledged touching the victim’s penis and performing oral sex on the youth multiple times over several years, according to documents released by Maricopa County Superior Court.

Navarette told the youth he regretted his actions, knew they were wrong and repeatedly told the youth that the young man was not at fault for any of the interactions.

“Of course, I regret any bad actions that I did, absolutely wishing everything could be different. I’m sorry, mijo,” Navarrete was quoted as saying in the phone call. It appears he was not aware that police were listening in.

In the phone call, the victim, now age 16, confronted Navarrete, asking why he touched his penis. Navarrete told him he wasn’t well, records show. He repeatedly expressed regret for his actions, which reportedly occurred at Navarrete’s home and have caused anger and anxiety issues for the youth.

“Otoniel told him he is sorry he has to go through all this pain, not deserving it,” according to the narrative of the phone call.

The documents note another alleged incident where Navarette reached under the shorts and touched the upper thigh of another teenager, who swatted his hand away.