Chandler hands lawmaker case to Scottsdale

Chandler's city attorney has handed the theft and tampering case against a state lawmaker to the Scottsdale city prosecutor.

Chandler officials said a conflict exists because state Senator John Huppenthal was once a Chandler city councilman and part of his legislative district falls in Chandler.

Chandler police want Huppenthal prosecuted on misdemeanor counts of tampering and theft of a political sign on Election Day.

Scottsdale prosecutor Caron Close says she is reviewing the case and should make a decision on whether to charge Huppenthal "fairly quickly."

Huppenthal has contended he had permission from the manager of Country Brook Apartments to remove the opposition sign.

In their report, Chandler police wrote it was questionable whether Huppenthal actually got permission to remove the sign.

Huppenthal won re-election Nov. 4.