Ex-prison guard seeks $10M over sex case

TUCSON — A former state corrections officer accused of having sexual contact with a minor is suing Pima County authorities for malicious prosecution and seeking $10 million in damages.

In his 16-page complaint, Joseph Ray Gonzales accuses the county attorney’s and county sheriff’s offices of botching the investigation over whether he raped a 13-year-old female relative at a family party.

The case stems from a May 2006 get-together that more than 40 people attended, according to the complaint. The all-day affair included dancing, drinks, food, music and swimming at the home of Craig and Janelle Pilgrim, the girl’s parents.

About six days later, the daughter told Janelle Pilgrim that she had sexual contact with Gonzales at the party. But court records suggest it may have been a get-even scenario after her mother grilled her about drinking and driving.

Either way, the damage was done, Gonzales claims. Pima County authorities investigated the matter, forcing Gonzales to take an administrative leave from a prison job that he ultimately lost because of the controversy, the complaint states.

Now Gonzales is accusing authorities of malicious prosecution because of their alleged failure to contact several witnesses, visit the scene and produce any physical or forensic evidence linking him to the alleged rape.

Tucson lawyer Diane Lalosh is representing Gonzales.