By Carmen Forman | Arizona Capitol Times
Embattled Arizona State Parks Director Sue Black has been placed on administrative leave after allegations emerged that her department ignored state protections for an archeological site at Lake Havasu State Park and bulldozed Native antiquities in order to develop the land.
The allegations, brought forward by an archeologist who used to work in the Parks department, is just the latest in a series of allegations against Black, who has faced multiple investigations or inquiries into her work since she started leading the department in 2015.
Gov. Doug Ducey placed Black on administrative leave Thursday. Ducey spokesman Daniel Ruiz said Ted Vogt, who previously served as the state’s chief operating officer will serve as the interim director in Black’s absence.
“As the Department of Administration continues its review into the allegations against Director Black, we made the determination that in this case it is most appropriate to place the director on administrative leave to preserve the integrity of the investigative process,” Ruiz said.
