UA dean sex-crime case going to Maricopa County

TUCSON — Pima County officials have handed over a 2015 sex-crimes case against a former University of Arizona dean to a prosecutor outside Tucson.

The Pima County Attorney’s Office sent the case against Jesse Bootman, 66, to a prosecutor in Maricopa County, the Arizona Daily Star reported Sunday. The move comes after Bootman’s lawyer, Joshua Hamilton, said local law enforcement appeared to be in favor of the alleged victim, who had been a key witness in a criminal case in the past. “She worked hand-inglove with detectives while the case was being investigated and while it was prosecuted,” said the defense complaint.

Hamilton has also asked the court to keep the alleged victim from testifying against Bootman. He says that she lied about her previous relationship with Bootman. The court has not ruled on that motion.

Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall said she believes her office has acted appropriately, but she decided to forward the case to Maricopa to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

The former pharmacy dean is facing charges for sexual assault, sexual abuse, aggravated assaulted, kidnapping and drugging the alleged victim with a prescription sleeping aid. Bootman has pleaded not guilty.

Bootman is on paid administrative leave while his case is pending. He is paid $253,000 a year.