Arizona U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh offers $10K reward in Democratic opponent’s sex assault case

Republican U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men suspected of sexually assaulting his Democratic opponent in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.

Hamadeh’s office announced the reward Tuesday, almost two weeks after Bernadette Greene-Placentia publicly described an Aug. 14 attack near 99th Avenue and Bell Road in Sun City.

Greene-Placentia told Phoenix New Times she was sexually assaulted while repairing campaign signs. The two suspects remain at large.

“Nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of my constituents. As a former prosecutor who has fought for survivors of sexual assault, I am offering a reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of the two individuals responsible for this crime,” Hamadeh said in his announcement.

What happened to Bernadette Greene-Placentia?

Greene-Placentia said she stopped to fix a sign early one morning when she was struck in the head and lost consciousness. She said she awoke to a man sexually assaulting her while a second man was present.

Hamadeh, a Republican in his first term who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, urged the public to send tips to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

“Sexual assault is a serious violent offense. Survivors deserve justice, and those who commit these acts must be held accountable,” Hamadeh said.

Abe Hamadeh offered reward as Democrats show support for Greene-Placentia

The reward announcement came the same day the Democratic Women’s Caucus held an event to condemn sexual violence and support Greene-Placentia.

She had planned to attend but needed privacy after repeatedly recounting the assault publicly took a toll on her, campaign manager Isaiah Lopez said.

“Women have experienced this violence for thousands of years, and sadly, we’ve made far too little progress in ending it,” Lopez said. “According to recent data from advocacy groups and state offices, approximately 37 to 42% of women in Arizona experienced domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking during their lifetime.”

This places Arizona among the states with the highest rates of domestic violence in the country, he added.

“We’re seeing growing concerns about violence and intimidation in our political process as well,” Lopez said.

U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, one of three Arizona Democrats sent letters containing white powder weeks before the midterm election, attended the event.

“No one should ever have to endure this kind of violence, and no candidate for office should ever have to fear for their safety because they chose to participate in our democracy,” Ansari said during the event. “I have immense respect for Bernadette’s strength and courage, and I want her to know that she has our full support as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.”

Subscribe to the KTAR Political Brief newsletter to get our top political stories, exclusive guest interviews and more to your email inbox.

Related

2026 Arizona propositions: What to know about all 8 ballot measures as you voteAdrian Fontes blames politicians spreading election lies for white powder scare at capitolMaricopa County recorder says telling FBI about video was ‘exactly what we should have done’Recorder Justin Heap responds to Donald Trump calling Maricopa County ‘very dishonest’Suspicious substance mailed to Arizona Capitol was not toxic, officials sayWhite powder envelope prompts hazmat response at Arizona Secretary of State’s office