The officials of Pima County have handed over the 21015 sex-crime case against former Universtiy of Arizona dean to a prosecutor outside Tucson.
The County’s Attorney Office confirmed the case against 66-year-old Jesse Bootman has been transferred to a prosecutor in Maricopa County.
According to the reports, the moves come the heel of an allegation made by Bootman’s lawyer, Joshya Hamilton who said that local law enforcement was in the favor of the alleged victim, who had been a key witness in a criminal case in the past.
"She worked hand-in-glove with detectives while the case was being investigated and while it was prosecuted," said the defense complaint.
The lawyer has also requested the court to keep the victim from testifying against Bootman. He alleged that the victim lied about her previous relationships with his client.The court has not ruled on that motion.
Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall said that she believes her office has acted appropriately, but she decided to forward the case to Maricopa to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
The former Pharmcay dean was placed on paid leave in October 2015 after he was charged with sexual assault, sexual abuse, aggravated assault and drugging the alleged victim with a prescription sleeping aid. Bootman has pleaded not guilty.
Bootman had been with the university for 30 years before he was removed the position following criminal charges filed in 2015, the report said. He is also banned from the campus.
According to the police documents, the victim ran into Bootman at a restaurant where she was dining with a friend. When he asked if she would like to see his home.
The two visited at Bootman’s home for half an hour and when she was about to leave after a drink given by Bootman, she blacked out.
The documents said that the victim woke up in Bootman’s bed naked and her face was bleeding. Hospital reports shows that her nose was broken, lip was swollen and her knee was hurt.
Later, investigators removed bedding and recovered a sex toy from Bootman’s home.
Border Patrol Groups raids Aid Groups in Arizona
AMandeep
