Arizona AG Clears Hobbs After 2-Year Probe Found No Quid Pro Quo
Updated
Updated · FOX 10 News Phoenix · Aug 21
Arizona AG Clears Hobbs After 2-Year Probe Found No Quid Pro Quo
3 articles · Updated · FOX 10 News Phoenix · Aug 21
Summary
Two years of interviews and records reviews led Arizona prosecutors to drop the pay-to-play case against Governor Katie Hobbs, saying they found no evidence needed to support a bribery charge.
The Attorney General's legal analysis said Sunshine Residential Homes' six-figure political donations and later rate increases raised serious questions, but the evidence did not show an exchange of contributions for official action.
Twelve interviews and reviews of campaign finance, procurement, bank, email and chat records also supported Hobbs' account that neither she nor her staff directed child-welfare rate decisions involving Sunshine.
The analysis said Sunshine's higher rates appeared to stem from its leverage over the state's congregate care program, while Attorney General Kris Mayes called for new transparency rules on donations from state contractors.
An additional Auditor General investigation is still underway and could require further involvement from the Attorney General's Office.