By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Newly released records show an active sexual harassment investigation was underway when Pima County Treasurer Brian Johnson resigned on June 12, with HR still gathering evidence at the time he stepped down.
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The documents, obtained by 13 News through a public records request, detail multiple sexual harassment claims against Johnson.
The records date to June 2, indicating the investigation involved multiple witnesses, corroborating interviews, and evidence collection.
Allegations against Johnson
One employee alleged Johnson repeatedly pressured her into a sexual relationship with him and his girlfriend, despite her repeated refusals.
She also alleged Johnson hugged her, tried to kiss her, kissed her cheek, and licked her face. County records show she immediately reported the incident.
Other employees accused Johnson of repeatedly touching his groin during meetings, discussing his sex life at work, and displaying paintings of nude women in his office. HR investigators collected photographs as part of the investigation.
Books and grooming concerns
The investigation expanded to include Johnson’s self-published books, described as containing mature sexual content.
County records show he gave or attempted to give the books to youth workers and interns, including a 15-year-old whose book was later replaced with a comic book.
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After reviewing one of the books, Deputy County Administrator Chad Kasmar wrote it was “not criminal,” but “paints a picture of potential grooming behavior.”
Resignation timeline
County Administrator Jan Lesher met with Johnson on June 10 and suggested he consider resigning. County records show HR was still preparing investigative questions on June 12 — the day Johnson resigned. An internal email from the day before stated Johnson was “not resigning.” Within 24 hours, he stepped down.
The county withheld interview recordings, texts, and photographs from the records release, saying doing so could discourage employees from coming forward in future investigations.
13 Investigates asked Johnson to sit down for an on-camera interview.
At first, he said he would consider it. But in a follow-up phone call, he declined, saying he had to keep the matter confidential and then added “I am not going to litigate in the media.”
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