7 Legislators in Arizona Face Bribery Charges

Seven Arizona legislators were indicted Tuesday along with seven other people, including lobbyists, on charges including bribery, money laundering and filing false campaign reports.

Police and prosecutors refused to answer questions about the 146-page indictment or the investigation into Statehouse corruption. The charges grew out of a police sting operation in which a shadowy figure known as J. Anthony Vincent campaigned for legalized casino gambling. The Maricopa County grand jury indictment said Vincent’s real name was Joseph C. Stedino, but it did not elaborate on his role.

“This is a political indictment hatched for political reasons,” said Rep. Sue Laybe, one of those indicted.

Rep. Bobby Raymond, a Phoenix Democrat who also was indicted, will fight the charges and will be “addressing each and every issue in a fair forum,” said his attorney, Kenneth D. Freedman.

Among the others indicted were Republican Reps. Donald Kenney of Phoenix, who temporarily stepped down Monday as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, James Hartdegen of Casa Grande and James Meredith.

Hartdegen is chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and Meredith heads the Rules Committee.

Two Democratic senators, Jesus Higuera of Tucson and Carolyn Walker of Phoenix, also were indicted. Higuera heads the Government Committee and Walker is the majority whip.

Kenney, whose car and business records were seized by police, acknowledged that he had received a $50,000 yearly retainer from Vincent for legal and consulting work.