Robbs was sentenced to 3-1/2 years and Lytle’s daughter, Michelle Daymon, received probation in the 1999 incident involving theft from a Pinal County storage facility. Robbs was released from custody in June 2002 after which he applied for, and obtained, a part-time position with the Pinal County Recorder’s Office in the micrograph department in 2003, after Lytle reportedly advised him of the opening.

Despite a dubious employment record, Robbs was promoted in 2007 to a more responsible position in the recorder’s office; one that allowed him access to voter records, mail and checks paid to the county recorder. He reportedly used this access to information to engage in identity theft and which he also allegedly sold in exchange for drugs for both him and Damon. Robbs was arrested, at his office in Florence, in December 2008 charged with Theft, Identity Theft and Tampering with a Public Document.
 
Robbs activities came to light following a criminal investigation into the misuse of personal checking account routing numbers and voter registration information being accessed and stolen during transactions with the Pinal County Recorder’s Office. During the course of the investigation it was determined that another recently terminated employee also had county documents and checks in her residence. However; it was later determined that the second individual was most likely hiding the documents for performance reasons and that the incident was not related to Robbs’ alleged criminal activities.

An administrative fact-finding investigation was begun under the authority of then Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez and continued under current Sheriff Paul Babeu, which was completed by Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Captain Jeffrey Karns on January 5, 2009. The investigation “raised a number of questions and issues” regarding culpability on Lytle’s behalf in the hiring, promotion and retention of Robbs.

 

In his report Karns wrote, “There was the appearance that Mrs. Dean-Lytle had hired Mr. Robbs with the full knowledge that he was a convicted felon for theft related crimes, and that her daughter, Michelle Daymon and Mr. Robbs were involved in illicit drug use/activity.”

 

Following an interview with Lytle, Karns further found, “Mrs. Dean-Lytle stated that she knew her daughter was using and potentially addicted to methamphetamine and that she felt Mr. Robbs was using at least marijuana. She indicated that she knew, or suspected this, prior to and during his employment.”

 

Lytle reportedly indicated that when she was made aware of the possible misuse of information by Robbs, she implemented a “checks and balances” program to account for payments and information received by her office.

 

When told that the case would be sent to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for prosecution, Karns reported that Lytle stated that she wished it would be kept “low key” and “quiet” and that she was glad she was retiring since this “would bury her” politically. Lytle was recently re-elected to her position as Pinal County Recorder in November 2008 without any mention of retirement.

 

Karns would not comment on the investigation, saying only that his investigation was an “administrative inquiry and not a criminal investigation”. Details of the inquiry have led to questions of nepotism in the recorder’s office. That Lytle’s son-in-law is also an employee of the recorder’s office only adds to the speculation.

 

Sheriff Paul Babeu, who has reportedly called for Lytle’s resignation, was not available for comment but PCSO Public Information Officer Tamatha Villar wanted to end speculation that the investigation was politically motivated.

 

“This was part of a routine investigation and not political at all,” said Villar, who pointed out that since the arrest and conviction of former county manager Stan Griffis, the county takes any inkling of impropriety seriously. “The unfortunate thing is that she (Lytle) knew his (Robbs’) history.”