Supes approve Colorado City investigator position
 
The Tri-State News Network
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KINGMAN, Ariz. - Mohave County Supervisors have approved use of more than $30,000 to hire an investigator to probe allegations of abuse in the remote border community of Colorado City.

The Board approved the expenditure Monday after hearing from county attorney Matt Smith. "I think there's a general consensus that we have a serious problem in Colorado City right now," Smith said.

He said police in Colorado City are under pressure from the community-controlling church and are disadvantaged from objective handling of abuse allegations. Smith suggested hiring someone from outside the community would better ensure fair and impartial investigations involving alleged abuse of women and children and forced marriages of teenagers to adults who have other wives in the polygamous community.

Smith said it remains to be seen whether an investigator will be able to make cases in Colorado City. "I do not think it should be a permanent position because we need to find out if they're going to uncover anything up there," Smith said. "If it doesn't work out and they don't gather information and justify the expense, then I think that could be something that needs to be dropped."

The county previously secured grant money that will fund an advocate who will provide service to any victims who might be identified. County Manager Ron Walker said the advocate and investigator won't likely begin work until July. He said that's when the county expects to have a modular facility ready for their use. It had been hoped that the facility would be ready to operate by late April. Walker, however, said the county encountered some difficulty and delay while trying to procure the modular building. Officials from the Arizona Attorney General's Office and Child Protective Services workers will use the building on occasion as well.
 
The Tri-State News Network
Originally published Tuesday, April 6, 2004