Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY – Even if you live in a quiet rural area, that doesn’t mean you can walk around unclothed within eyesight of your neighbors. Graham County Sheriff deputies responded to a report of indecent exposure on Sunday, after a resident complained that her neighbor repeatedly appeared unclothed in view of her property and family members.
The incident occurred around 3:10 p.m. in a residential area off Safford/Bryce Road. The complainant, a local homeowner, reported that her neighbor, who was fully exposed, was outside while her children were present. She noted this was not the first occurrence, stating her teenage daughter had witnessed similar behavior multiple times previously.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with family members at the reporting residence. The complainant described taking out the trash when she observed the neighbor, who was exposed and approaching her direction. After being asked to cover up, the neighbor reportedly refused initially, arguing that he was on his own property and entitled to remain unclothed. He eventually returned inside, dressed, and later approached the shared fence line for a conversation, which was recorded by the complainant and provided to investigators.
In the recording, the complainant explained the illegality of public exposure and mentioned her daughter’s prior sightings. The neighbor maintained he stayed on his porch and suggested the family install a barrier, like a tarp, if they did not wish to see him.
Interviews with the complainant’s 14-year-old daughter revealed that she observed the neighbor being exposed roughly once a week or more while tending to animals on the southeast side of their property. The neighbor’s home lies to the east, with a largely unobstructed wire fence separating the lots, about 150 yards between the residences. The teenager reported no physical contact or verbal comments from the neighbor, but said he stared in a way that made her uncomfortable. She added that exposure sometimes appeared timed to her presence outside.
A 16-year-old son at the residence also confirmed witnessing the behavior about three weeks earlier. Family members noted the neighbor tends to avoid exposure when adult males are visible but proceeds when women or children are outside alone.
The family expressed discomfort, particularly due to young relatives (ages 6 and 8) who visit frequently, though those children had not reported seeing the exposure. They declined to press charges at the time, instead documenting the incident and warning the neighbor of potential legal consequences under Arizona law. They indicated they would pursue charges if the behavior continued.
Officers then contacted the accused neighbor. He acknowledged being unclothed on his porch that day but insisted he remained on his property and did not venture into the yard. When informed that visibility from neighboring property constitutes exposure in view of others and that Arizona Revised Statutes prohibit reckless exposure of genitals or anus where another person is present and could reasonably be offended or alarmed, he expressed surprise. He claimed ignorance of the law, blamed neighbors for “spying,” and became distressed upon learning of possible felony-level penalties (especially involving minors) and lifelong sex offender registration requirements.
After deputies explained the need to prevent visibility from the public or neighboring views, the individual promised to cease the behavior and pleaded against immediate arrest. Supervisors on scene advised that the incident would be documented, with charges still possible pending review.
No arrests were made, and the family requested only education and deterrence for the neighbor. The matter remains documented in police records.
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 13-1402), indecent exposure is a class 1 misdemeanor when the witness is 15 or older, escalating to a class 6 felony if the witness is under 15. The statute focuses on reckless disregard for whether the exposure would alarm or offend a reasonable person present, regardless of property lines, if the act is visible to others.
