Guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition seized at Arizona DES after director resigns

PHOENIX — About 50 guns and 80,000 rounds of ammunition were seized from the Arizona Department of Economic Security on the same day the agency’s director resigned, it was learned Thursday.

A spokeswoman for DES said the weapons — all of which were handguns — and ammunition were intended for the use of 13 certified peace officers, 28 armed security officers and three Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act officers.

Former Director Tim Jeffries told the Arizona Republic the weapons were not only for the agency’s expanding officer numbers, but also for protection. He specifically cited last year’s terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, as an example.

“These jihadists in San Bernardino attacked a social service center for the developmentally disabled. They will go anywhere,” Jeffries said. “As a director, one of my highest priorities was to protect my people and my clients. I stand by that with pride.”

Jeffries also told the publication he had received death threats and wanted a weapon to protect himself and his family.

The weapons and ammunition were seized by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Troopers were present when Jeffries was escorted from the building.

Jeffries resigned last week following an investigation by Gov. Doug Ducey’s office.

In a statement, Ducey spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said DES had been under investigation for weeks before Tim Jeffries resigned.

“Given its size and impact on the citizens of our state, it (the investigation) required that level of attention,” Scarpinato said. “As a result of that review, Ducey has taken appropriate action today to move the agency forward in a way that will ensure we are meeting our mission of assisting Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The investigation was launched after news reports said Jeffries hosted a party in the spring where alcohol was served to employees.

“We’re just trying to get to the bottom of what are the facts and then see what adjustments are needed,” Ducey said earlier this week.

It was reported that an April party in Nogales, Arizona, was a celebration in part of Jeffries convincing some of the employees to give up their civil service protections.

Jeffries has maintained the party took place after hours.

Scarpinato said Henry Darwin, Ducey’s COO, would take over as interim director.

Last week’s comments were the first from Ducey that didn’t express support of Jeffries, who has faced several controversies since taking office.

In February, the department placed an employee on leave pending an inquiry into allegations of abuse of a Mesa woman.

In August 2015, a DES employee was arrested on charges of food-stamp fraud.

Ducey appointed Jeffries in February 2015. He then stripped Jeffries of firing authority last month after the Arizona Republic reported that roughly half of the 500 DES workers Jeffries had fired had glowing performance reviews.

The department oversees services for the aging, child support, domestic violence, homelessness, refugee resettlement, unemployment benefits, food stamps and health insurance for the poor, among others.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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