Deputy accused of sex abuse Emily Bittner
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 1, 2005 12:00 AM
A Maricopa County sheriff's deputy has been indicted on three counts of sexual abuse involving an underage girl.
Deputy John Frank Springfield, 35, who was assigned to the Canyon Lake Patrol, was put on administrative leave in December. Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the incident occurred in Springfield's patrol car while he was on duty and in uniform.
"He violated the public trust," Arpaio said. "He's going to have to pay for it."
Arpaio said the incident occurred last July when Springfield, an 8-year veteran, encountered a 15-year-old Utah girl at Canyon Lake.
The girl was with a church group and wanted to play a prank, Arpaio said.
"She suggested he put her in handcuffs and bring her back to the church group," said Lisa Allen MacPherson, a Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.
At some point, the deputy touched the girl's breasts and genitals, the indictment says.
The girl's brother is also a deputy with the Sheriff's Office, and she told him about the situation, Arpaio said. She brought her allegations against Springfield to authorities in November.
Springfield learned of the investigation two weeks later, Arpaio said.
Arpaio said detectives are investigating allegations that Springfield abused a 16-year-old girl, but no charges have been filed in that case.
Springfield, who is married with children, was indicted Friday and served with court papers Tuesday. All three of the allegations are felonies. Springfield was unavailable for comment.
Arpaio said there may be more victims and they are encouraged to call his office at (602) 876-1011.