By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The man accused of following and filming a preteen girl in Sierra Vista Target late last year reached a plea deal, avoiding the more serious charges he was facing.
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Former Cochise County Deputy Attorney Paul Correa pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with evidence on Tuesday, May 19. He had also been facing charges of harassment by surveillance and public sexual indecency.
Correa, who will be sentenced at 2 p.m. on July 14, could face probation up to years in prison.
Correa was arrested and then fired after the public sexual indecency incident at the Target on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The Sierra Vista Police Department investigated the incident, but the case was handled by the La Paz County Attorney, Rachel Shackelford, to avoid conflicts of interest.
Stacey Greer told 13 News that her 12-year-old daughter was in the store and told her Correa had been following and recording her.
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Jason Greer, the girl’s father, told investigators he walked up to Correa’s vehicle in the parking lot and caught him “watching a video of his daughter with his pants disheveled.”
At that point, Jason blocked Correa in to wait until police arrived.
Correa was able to drive to New Mexico, and it wasn’t until after he returned, about 15 hours later, that he was arrested.
The Greers had told 13 News they were worried about Correa getting a plea deal, and it appears their fears were founded.
Stacy Greer released the following statement to 13 News following the plea.
“Our family left the last hearing disappointed, but we weren’t surprised. Sadly, Mr. Correa was allowed to accept a plea agreement that dismissed the charges we believed most accurately reflected the seriousness of his behavior, including the harassment/surveillance-related charges involving minors and public sexual indecency. To us, it felt like the full truth of what happened that night was erased, and his secret will be kept for his next victim.
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“I do understand the State’s position and why prosecutors would not want our daughter to have to testify. As parents, we understand the emotional toll these cases place on children and families, but we cannot continue to allow people in positions of public trust to get away with sexually motivated crimes, especially against children.
“From the beginning, our family has tried to do everything the right way. We cooperated fully, spoke up respectfully, and trusted the system. What has been especially difficult is the message this outcome sends to families and children who have come forward and continue to do so. When someone in a position of power and trust is allowed a plea deal that avoids sexual charges, it leaves many people feeling that accountability depends on who you are.
“We also believe the laws surrounding technology, surveillance, and the recording of minors need to be looked at more closely. Cases like this highlight how quickly technology is evolving and how difficult it can be for families to feel adequately protected under current laws. We hope to be part of that movement for change.
“This case has shaken our trust in systems we once believed would protect children and the public equally. The overwhelming response from the community, including the many emails and public concern expressed throughout this process, shows that people here are paying attention and deeply troubled by the outcome.
“We return to court on July 14, and our hope is that Mr. Correa will ultimately be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law allowable. Thankfully, the felony charge will have professional consequences for Mr. Correa, and my hope is that he will no longer be practicing law in our state or any other.”
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