News
JP-3 candidate cited for trespassing after leaving pamphlet
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Bruce Staggs, a St. David resident running for Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace, will face a judge after being cited for criminal trespassing in the 3rd degree. Staggs' court date is set for July 27 in Sierra Vista.
Cochise County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carol Capas said Staggs was cited on May 26 after Sherry Behr, wife of long time Benson police officer Tim Behr, pressed charges.
Capas said Staggs allegedly ignored "no trespassing" signs on Behr's property located outside of city limits.
Staggs allegedly went onto Behr's property, and left a campaign pamphlet with their children, Capas said.
When questioned by sheriff's deputies, Staggs refused to answer questions.
Capas explained that while Staggs was leaving campaign pamphlets, a no trespassing sign means no access.
Staggs had little comment on the charges, saying he feels they are politically motivated, and has submitted evidence to the judge to prove it. He declined to answer further questions.
Staggs, a Republican, is running against incumbent Justice of the Peace Joe Knoblock in the August primary election.
The case would have gone before Knoblock, but court records show he recused himself on June 1. The case was transferred to the Justice of the Peace court in Precinct 5.
Staggs has also met with Benson Police Chief Paul Moncada since being charged.
Asked about the encounter, Moncada said Staggs had requested the meeting before the May 25 incident.
During the meeting at the Benson Police Department, Moncada said Staggs brought up the issue concerning officer Behr and his wife.
Moncada, not wanting the situation to turn into a campaign issue, said the Benson Police Department would work with whoever is elected, but did admit there was some disagreement with Staggs.
Moncada said Staggs requested a ride-along with all Benson police officers to assess their performance, which would help him rule in cases if elected.
Moncada refused the request, and has since talked with City Manager Glenn Nichols, Officer Behr and city prosecutor Ann Roberts about the conversation.
"We've all agreed to ignore it," Moncada said. "If Mr. Staggs is elected, and there appears to be a bias against Benson Police officers, I would take appropriate action at that time. The meeting was to discuss his campaign, when he called originally, it was not to discuss the citation."
Knoblock and Staggs are also facing local barber Eliot Montijo on the Republican ticket in the primary election.
The winner in August will move on to face Independent candidate Virgil Judd, and Democrat Marv Sorensen.
Judd and Sorensen have run for the Justice of the Peace seat in former elections.
Bruce Staggs, a St. David resident running for Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace, will face a judge after being cited for criminal trespassing in the 3rd degree. Staggs' court date is set for July 27 in Sierra Vista.
Cochise County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carol Capas said Staggs was cited on May 26 after Sherry Behr, wife of long time Benson police officer Tim Behr, pressed charges.
Capas said Staggs allegedly ignored "no trespassing" signs on Behr's property located outside of city limits.
Staggs allegedly went onto Behr's property, and left a campaign pamphlet with their children, Capas said.
When questioned by sheriff's deputies, Staggs refused to answer questions.
Capas explained that while Staggs was leaving campaign pamphlets, a no trespassing sign means no access.
Staggs had little comment on the charges, saying he feels they are politically motivated, and has submitted evidence to the judge to prove it. He declined to answer further questions.
Staggs, a Republican, is running against incumbent Justice of the Peace Joe Knoblock in the August primary election.
The case would have gone before Knoblock, but court records show he recused himself on June 1. The case was transferred to the Justice of the Peace court in Precinct 5.
Staggs has also met with Benson Police Chief Paul Moncada since being charged.
Asked about the encounter, Moncada said Staggs had requested the meeting before the May 25 incident.
During the meeting at the Benson Police Department, Moncada said Staggs brought up the issue concerning officer Behr and his wife.
Moncada, not wanting the situation to turn into a campaign issue, said the Benson Police Department would work with whoever is elected, but did admit there was some disagreement with Staggs.
Moncada said Staggs requested a ride-along with all Benson police officers to assess their performance, which would help him rule in cases if elected.
Moncada refused the request, and has since talked with City Manager Glenn Nichols, Officer Behr and city prosecutor Ann Roberts about the conversation.
"We've all agreed to ignore it," Moncada said. "If Mr. Staggs is elected, and there appears to be a bias against Benson Police officers, I would take appropriate action at that time. The meeting was to discuss his campaign, when he called originally, it was not to discuss the citation."
Knoblock and Staggs are also facing local barber Eliot Montijo on the Republican ticket in the primary election.
The winner in August will move on to face Independent candidate Virgil Judd, and Democrat Marv Sorensen.
Judd and Sorensen have run for the Justice of the Peace seat in former elections.
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