Pinal Today

Two Pinal County Attorney's Office employees claimed $13 million in damages against supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh over what they called false allegations of sexual misconduct, according to Pinal Central.

The claim states that in October 2021, Cavanaugh alleged that Garland Shreves, chief of staff for the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, had hired Amanda Stanford, ex-Pinal Superior Court clerk, as finance manager in exchange for sexual favors. Shreves delivered the notices of claim to the Board of Supervisors at the beginning of the board’s regular meeting in April.

“I have reviewed the notice of claim and it is absolutely meritless, and I look forward to the process that will expose it as such,” Cavanaugh said in an email to Pinal Central.

Shreves said in April that Cavanaugh had literally run from a process server to avoid being served with the notices of claim.

Stanford’s claim of $8 million would include wages and benefits until she retires. Shreves’ claim is for $5 million.

According to the claim, Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer investigated Cavanaugh’s allegations but said he could not substantiate them. Later, Cavanaugh repeated the allegation and claimed to have three witnesses; two people denied making statements. Cavanaugh reportedly said the third person, who is unknown, “made the allegations and ran off,” Pinal Central reported.

Shreves and Stafford said it was actually Volkmer who interviewed and hired Stanford, not Shreves.

Stanford said she believes she was collateral damage after Shreves refused a job offer; Cavanaugh wanted to poach him from the Pinal County Attorney’s Office. 

“Cavanaugh is trying to play very fast and loose with facts,” Shreves said. “He’s a very fact-challenged person. It’s my belief the guy couldn’t tell the truth if he tried because he’s on a mission from God.”

Shreves’ attorney submitted a public records request for 26 items, including Cavanaugh’s emails and backup files, plus complaints made against Cavanaugh, Pinal Central reported.  

“This isn’t just about me; this is about all county employees who can be abused by these guys with no accountability,” Shreves said. “I want you to know Kevin Cavanaugh is an absolutely evil, evil human being and needs to be held accountable. I love this county, I love my job, and he’s ruined it for me.”