Guadalupe official calls for mayor to resign over food-stamp fraud

Guadalupe Vice Mayor Andrew Sanchez is calling for town Mayor Rebecca Jimenez to step down from her position, a move that comes in response to Jimenez’s recent legal problems and what he says is a pattern of political overreach.

Standing in front of Guadalupe’s town hall Friday afternoon, Sanchez said his former political ally had tarnished the town’s image.

“Mayor Jimenez holds others in scrutiny with the law but fails to maintain her own ethical standards,” he read from a printed statement. “Mayor Jimenez continues to bring negative media attention by her choices.”

Jimenez could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Guadalupe mayor sentenced in food-stamp case

Sanchez said he initiated recall proceedings last month.

The announcement comes a day after Jimenez was sentenced to probation and up to $10,000 in restitution in a food-stamp fraud case. Jimenez had pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a forgery device in exchange for the dismissal of three felony charges.

According to Arizona Department of Economic Security officials, Jimenez was receiving food-stamp benefits between July 2011 and February 2013.

But investigators say that during that time, Jimenez had failed to disclose she was living with her children’s father, who was earning a "significant" salary.

Sanchez said there is still paperwork to complete before he can begin collecting signatures for her recall. He would prefer Jimenez to bow out, but he believes the scenario to be unlikely.

“She is a very strong individual,” he said.

Sanchez stressed that Jimenez’s conviction was the tipping point of his concerns about the mayor.  He alleged that Jimenez continuously jeopardized community projects and funding, but conceded that she hadn’t violated any other laws or ordinances while in office.

If Sanchez is successful, it will be the second time Jimenez prematurely departs the same position.

Jimenez initially took office in 2007 and, in 2008, famously squared off with Sheriff Joe Arpaio over the lawman’s illegal-immigration sweep within the town’s limits. Jimenez was removed as mayor months later, after a series of political maneuvers by community members.

Guadalupe is on a square-mile swath of land nestled near the southwest corner of Tempe. It is comprised of about 6,000 mostly Hispanic and Native American residents.