Sheridan makes first public statement about rape of candidate

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation into the rape of congressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia “remains open and active” as detectives “thoroughly pursue all available leads,” Sheriff Jerry Sheridan wrote in a press release Friday afternoon. 

“Our detectives remain committed to following every viable lead, gathering the facts, and conducting a comprehensive investigation,” Sheridan wrote. “We will continue working toward establishing the facts and bringing this case to a resolution.” 

In August, Greene-Placentia was raped by two unknown men while repairing her campaign signs in the West Valley just after 2 in the morning. She was initially too embarrassed to report the assault, but two weeks later, she reported it to MCSO. In early October, Phoenix New Times broke the story of the attack on Greene-Placentia. 

“I appreciate the efforts of MCSO and recognize the investigation is ongoing,” Greene-Placentia wrote in a text to New Times. 

Greene-Placentia’s story has sparked shock and anger among Democrats across the state, while others, including online commentators and co-hosts of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” have dismissed her claims as a “hoax” as part of a larger conspiracy. Still, Greene-Placentia has remained determined to continue campaigning for Arizona’s eighth congressional seat. Polls show her incumbent opponent, Rep. Abe Hamadeh, still leads in the deep-red Republican district.

Due to the nature of the assault and the disorientation she experienced in its wake, Greene-Placentia didn’t know exactly where it happened. Likely as a result of previous concussions, she blacked out and was unable to give police or New Times an exact location of where the assault occurred. She said it likely occurred along a stretch of Sun City or Surprise.

Sheridan wrote that detectives have been “working diligently” to establish the exact location of where Greene-Placentia was raped. The potential area spanned from 99th Avenue and Bell Road north toward Anthem, he wrote. Detectives have “conducted extensive canvassing efforts” through the area, including gathering surveillance footage and “other evidence” that may establish where it took place – and who was involved. 

“Investigations involving circumstances of this nature can be particularly complex and sensitive,” Sheridan wrote. “Establishing an accurate timeline, location, and understanding of events requires a methodical approach, careful attention to detail, and the thorough examination of all available evidence.” 

Detectives are also seeking cell phone and vehicle data to find potential GPS information and help “establish the victim’s movements and further narrow the search area,” he wrote. Detectives have also spoken with people close to the victim to gain additional information. 

“While we understand the community’s interest and desire for answers, protecting the integrity of the investigation is equally important,” Sheridan wrote. “For that reason, we are limited in the additional details we can release at this time.”