Peaceful protest at courthouse
Group gathers and prays for charges to be filed against San Luis officer
A small group of south county residents gathered outside the Yuma County Justice Center Friday morning for a peaceful protest in which they all joined together to pray that criminal charges will eventually be filed against a San Luis police officer.
“We believe in (Yuma County Attorney) Jon Smith and trust him,” said organizer David Lara. “We know he will do the honorable thing.”
Lara explained that the San Luis Police Department turned over a report of its investigation into Officer Luis Marquez to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office nearly two months ago, but it is still being reviewed.
The investigation into Marquez stemmed from a complaint Lara filed with San Luis police alleging that he listed current police officers on paper-
work for the defunct San Luis Police Athletic League without their knowledge or permission.
Marquez also allegedly used the name of a civilian employee of the police department without her consent on forms listing her as a PAL board member on paperwork submitted with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Yuma County Attorney Jon Smith confirmed that his office has received the report, adding that he could not comment on the matter because it was still being investigated.
“There is a report currently being reviewed but a charging decision has not been made,” Smith said.
The dozen or so protesters stood to one side of the main entrance of Justice Center for about 45 minutes, each holding at least one hand-made sign. Some held two, but they all had similar messages.
One of the signs read, “We have faith in you Jon Smith,” while another had the words “San Luis needs your help Jon Smith,” and another had, “It is about public trust.”
Some Justice Center employees even stopped on their way into the building to ask what the protest was about.
Halfway through the protest, which began around 7:45 a.m., the group gathered together and said two prayers, one in Spanish and one in English.
The protest ended at about 8:30 a.m.
Marquez could not be reached for comment.