By Matthew Holloway |
Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) announced on Tuesday that he is personally offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men suspected in the reported sexual assault of his Democratic challenger, Bernadette Greene-Placentia.
The announcement said the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains ongoing and no suspects have been identified.
Greene-Placentia, who is challenging Hamadeh in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District, reported that two men attacked her while she was repairing campaign signs in Sun City in the early morning hours of Aug. 14.
“Nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of my constituents. As a former prosecutor who has fought for survivors of sexual assault, I am offering a reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of the two individuals responsible for this crime,” Hamadeh said.
“Sexual assault is a serious violent offense. Survivors deserve justice, and those who commit these acts must be held accountable,” he added.
Asked by AZ Free News about Hamadeh’s reward during Tuesday’s Phoenix press conference supporting Greene-Placentia, her campaign manager, Isaiah Lopez, said he hoped those responsible would be caught while questioning how the offer would help.
“I’m not sure how a public bounty supports that personally,” Lopez said. “But we appreciate the congressman’s attempts to support that.”
Greene-Placentia had been scheduled to attend the press conference but did not appear. Speaking on her behalf, Lopez said publicly sharing her experience and repeatedly revisiting it had been difficult.
“Today, she needs some privacy and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and compassion,” he said.
Lopez said Greene-Placentia wanted other survivors to know they had support and remained committed to advocating for safer communities.
“Survivors deserve the space to heal at their own pace and the freedom to decide when and how they share their experiences,” he said.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ03) organized the event with Reps. Maxine Dexter of Oregon and Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico and representatives of organizations serving survivors of sexual violence.
Stansbury condemned public attempts to discredit Greene-Placentia’s account and said the gathering was intended to support survivors of sexual violence.
“And that is why we are here to stand with all women, all survivors, to say that your voice matters, your story matters. We see you. We know what you have been through,” Stansbury said.
She said shame, disbelief, and the potential consequences of speaking publicly can discourage survivors from sharing their experiences.
Stansbury also invoked survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, encouraging women to share their experiences and pursue public service.
“The Epstein survivors’ stories have toppled a prince. They’ve toppled British officials. They have the potential to topple a presidency here in the United States,” Stansbury said. “Tell your stories. Do not be afraid. And let this fuel your fire to serve.”
Stansbury also discussed potential changes to congressional disciplinary rules and cited Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio in calling for swifter action involving allegations of serious misconduct. Miller has denied domestic-abuse allegations made by his former wife.
Dana Martinez, director of domestic and sexual violence services at A New Leaf, discussed the organization’s support services and urged the public to recognize that people respond differently to trauma.
“Survivors should not have to prove that they are worthy of compassion before accessing support and services,” Martinez said.
She described services including emotional support, advocacy, support groups, and connections to resources, emphasizing that assistance is tailored to individual needs.
According to a police report, Greene-Placentia told investigators she was struck in the head while returning to her vehicle near 99th Avenue and Bell Road. She reported losing consciousness and being sexually assaulted by two men.
Hamadeh previously called for investigators to examine the allegations thoroughly, including seeking available camera footage from the area.
Greene-Placentia said that she initially hesitated to report the assault but decided speaking publicly could help other survivors. She said people had contacted her to share their experiences and offer support.
She also told the outlet that she did not know whether the reported attack was politically motivated and thought it could have been a crime of opportunity. She said she intended to continue her campaign.
Hamadeh’s announcement urged anyone with information to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office at 602-876-TIPS (8477) or 602-876-1011. It specifies that information leading to the suspects’ arrest and conviction would qualify for the $10,000 reward.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
