The judge overrules Sgt. Aaron Cross's request to end his suspension

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A federal judge on Monday ruled in favor of Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos after Sgt. Aaron Cross filed for a preliminary injunction to return to work after being placed on paid administrative leave.

A lawsuit filed by Cross alleged Nanos violated his First Amendment rights. Cross was placed on leave after allegedly participating in political activities while wearing ministry-issued clothing.

An injunction was requested to lift the stay.

court order He said although there were legitimate questions in Cross’s case, he had not shown irreparable harm and an injunction was not in the public interest.

“Plaintiff Cross was clearly trying to pose as an on-duty deputy,” court documents said.

He goes further: “The use of firearms, handcuffs, tactical gear, and boots was done with that intent, and the Hatch Act prohibits such conduct.”

The court also said that there was nothing wrong with Cross’ sign that read “MPs Don’t Want Nano”.

In denying the injunction, the court asked PCSD to clarify what off-duty employees are not allowed to wear when engaging in political activities.

Cross’s lawyer, Steve Serbalik, made the following statement:

“We continue to support Sgt.’s Constitutional rights. Cross and all members of AZCOPS. We look forward to the PCSD clearly defining the clothing they believe they may ban off-duty MPs from wearing at protests – we continue to maintain that off-duty MPs have the right to wear any clothing that generals might wear. people.”

Nano’s political rival, Heather Lappin, was also placed on administrative leave because she knew of Cross’ action, but is not part of the case.

The ministry has 24 hours to submit to the court what off-duty MPs in the PCSD are prohibited from wearing while engaging in political activities.

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