FLORENCE — Apache Junction’s former vice mayor has filed a $2.1 million notice of claim against Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu.
Robert Eck Jr. alleges that Babeu ordered a sheriff’s deputy to file unfounded criminal charges against him in connection with an October 2009 road rage incident.
Trivalleycentral.com says the charges were dismissed in January.
Eck also says he was the subject of a recall effort in March 2009 and Babeu supported a candidate who opposed him.
The notice is a request for payment that may precede a lawsuit.
The claim seeks $1.5 million in damages for Eck, $200,000 for his wife and $400,000 for his son, who was also involved in the altercation with a motorcyclist in Apache Junction.
The sheriff’s office declined comment Thursday on the notice of claim.
