Mark Lamb calls allegations against him ‘lies’ during event in Mesa

Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb called the allegations against him of sexual impropriety and other misconduct “lies” during an event last week, claiming that he’s done nothing wrong besides run for office.

Lamb is running to fill the seat being vacated by Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor, in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.

The Arizona Republic has published several stories about allegations of sexting, threats and racist messages tied to Lamb, who holds President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

“I’ve been called a racist. I’ve been called a misogynist. … I’m going to tell you folks, these are lies. Every single bit,” Lamb told the Encore Conservative Club in Mesa on June 17. “And … what did I do wrong? I ran for office.”

His wife, Janel Lamb, has also previously dismissed the reports as a “massive smear campaign” in a Facebook post. However, she was not at the event with her husband who explained that she usually attends but told him “I need a minute” away from them.

The former sheriff emphasized the worst part of the situation was his friend stoking the fire, referencing when Matt Hilsabeck told the Arizona Republic the reports of sexting and other conduct outside Lamb’s marriage were true.

Lamb proceeded to blame his Republican primary opponent, Daniel Keenan, as being responsible for the accusations being made against him.

“I don’t ever attack Republicans, never have, never will, won’t spend a dime. But I’m not going to let you leave here not knowing that he is behind it,” Lamb said. “He has been the one that has pushed all of this into the Arizona Republic, AZCentral. He has also spent a million dollars advertising on Fox News.”

Keenan earlier this month admitted to KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The AZ Political Podcast that he opted to make the controversy a centerpiece of his campaign.

“I think the allegations are serious,” Keenan said. “What I find most shocking is the fact, what AZCentral uncovered is that Mark Lamb threatened police action to make these women not come forward. That’s not only wrong and abuse of power, it’s disqualifying.”

Former Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer told to the Arizona Republic that Lamb asked prosecutors to explore criminal harassment charges against two women who had posted about his conduct on social media.

However, a review done by current County Attorney Brad Miller found no evidence of that request ever being made and no reports, summaries, interview or finds of any kind. That same review looked into the allegations against Lamb and found no evidence of him acting in a criminal manner.

Miller’s inquiry was limited to whether Arizona criminal statutes were violated. It did not address the underlying allegations of personal misconduct that have been reported by the Arizona Republic.

During the event, Lamb also addressed claims that he lives in Tennessee due to his family’s new ranch there, which is what most of his recent social media posts have been about rather than his congressional bid.

“I don’t live in Tennessee. Okay, that is the most ridiculous thing,” he said. “I didn’t realize you couldn’t own property in another state.”

The former sheriff closed out the event by asking people to not get distracted by the allegations and to focus on the real issues.

“Don’t get sidetracked with, you know, birds chirping in the tree and we got real problems in the house,” Lamb said.

Early voting has started for the July 21 primary.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s David Iversen contributed to this report. 

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