(The Center Square) – A former state lawmaker found guilty of one charge of sexual conduct with a minor was sentenced to one year in prison on Friday, a far cry from the 49 years he initially faced.
With good behavior, former Arizona Sen. Otoniel “Tony” Navarrete could be released earlier.
A jury in February found Navarrete guilty of sexual conduct with a minor aged 15 or older, a Class 6 felony. The Phoenix Democrat was acquitted of one count of child molestation and another sexual conduct charge.
According to the Arizona Republic, Navarrete turned down a 60-day sentence followed by 10 years of supervised probation because that deal meant he would have to admit guilt in the crimes. He had maintained his innocence in statements after the indictment was released.
He was arrested in 2021, amid his third term as a state lawmaker. Navarrete faced 49 years in prison for his
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