Mark Lamb (R-AZ) built his public identity on traditional values. A memoir, a church community, a loyal wife with her own book and website. Although an investigation by The Arizona Republic is putting that image to the test.
The investigation, which reviewed digital evidence including screenshots, social media exchanges, and interviews with multiple women, found allegations that Lamb, the former Pinal County sheriff now running for Congress, sent explicit messages and nude photographs to several women during and after his time as the county's top law enforcement officer.
The allegations span years, with women telling The Republic that Lamb initiated sexually explicit conversations through personal and campaign social media accounts beginning around the time he took office in 2017.
Perhaps the most serious claim involves one woman who alleged that Lamb, while serving as sheriff, attempted to use his position to silence her.
According to screenshots reviewed by The Republic, messages appearing to come from Lamb's accounts included a link to Arizona's revenge-porn statute, a note that violations carry a Class 4 felony charge, and a warning: "Please just no more posting. I will call DPS."
When the woman indicated she might comply, the response was: "I will ask for them not to proceed." Furthering the evidence with him continuing with “My wife says she is okay with that too."
Lamb's Reputation
Lamb is 53, a self-described social conservative who titled his 2020 memoir "American Sheriff: Traditional Values in a Modern World." His wife, Janel, has built her own public profile around his career, authoring a book called "The Sheriff's Wife."
Despite multiple interview requests and a detailed list of allegations sent by The Republic, Lamb did not respond.
His campaign called the allegations "false, misleading, and potentially defamatory," but did not address any of the specific claims. His staff stated simply that he "is not available for comment."
Lamb has previously denied allegations of sexual impropriety. He has not issued a formal statement in response to this investigation.
His congressional campaign continues.
