Original Article Mesa official cited in bestial acts with lamb By Mike Branom, Tribune March 7, 2006 A Mesa deputy fire chief is on paid leave after being accused of bestial acts with his nextdoor neighbors lamb. Maricopa County sheriffs deputies took LeRoy Johnson, 52, into custody at his Gilbert home on Saturday. The 26-year veteran was booked on suspicion of disorderly conduct, trespassing and public sexual indecency, all misdemeanors, spokesman Lt. Paul Chagolla said. Johnson was released from jail on his own recognizance on Sunday. The arrest came after the neighbor and another man said they found Johnson in a small barn in the 1200 block of East Catclaw Street; his pants were down as he held the small, young ewe to the ground, the men told deputies, according to the sheriffs report. When deputies confronted Johnson, they said he admitted to trespassing in his neighbors barn but denied doing anything else although he did state, I probably do need some help, but I dont know if this is the time or place for it. Johnson is in charge of the fire departments communications, mapping and records management. His arrest came as a shock. Hes been a great employee, assistant chief Mary Cameli said Monday. Its surprising to everybody. Calls to the homes of Johnson and the lambs owner went unanswered Monday night. The incident began Saturday afternoon when a 13-yearold girl told her father that a strange man knocked several times on the front and back doors. She then saw the man enter the homes corral where the sheep are kept, grab one and drag it into the barn. The father and friend entered the barn and spotted Johnson, who immediately admitted to trying to have sex with the sheep because he had too much to drink, the report states. He was told to leave, but the neighbor said he called 911 when he suspected Johnson returned. Deputies went to Johnsons home and, after a conversation during which he denied everything except being in the barn, he was arrested. Fourteen states do not have laws against bestiality, Arizona among them. That distresses Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who said he will ask the Legislature next year to enact such a law. And if they dont, Arpaio said, Im going to the people. In the state of Washington, lawmakers recently passed a bill making bestiality a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The measure was prompted by the death of a Seattle man last summer after he had sex with a horse. The Washington bill is awaiting the governors signature. Contact Mike Branom by email, or phone (480) 898-6536