By admin TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Jorge Soto was named Pima County treasurer during a meeting on Tuesday, July 28.
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The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 for Soto to take the job that came open on June 12, when Brian Johnson resigned amid a sexual harassment investigation. Supervisor Steve Christy abstained from the vote.
“As a proud Tucson resident, I care deeply about our community and believe local government should be fiscally responsible, transparent, efficient, and accountable to the public,” Soto wrote to the Board in his letter of interest. “If appointed, I would lead with integrity, professionalism, and a servant’s mindset while working collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors, county departments, employees, and residents to ensure the Treasurer’s Office continues to operate at the highest standard.”
According to a release from the county, Soto was an independent consultant who previously worked as a manager for banking and investment firm Citi for 17 years.
Johnson, a Democrat, defeated Chris Ackerley in the general election in November 2024. Soto will serve the remainder of Johnson’s term, which ends in December 2028.
Soto is a Democrat, as were the other nine applicants. The board was required by state law to appoint a member of the same party to fill a vacated county elected office.
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.
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One employee claimed 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.
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.
The county’s Chief Deputy Treasurer is Jake Martin, whom 13 News spoke to when he was appointed to the position as a 21-year-old.
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