A former Cochise County deputy attorney has been arrested following allegations that he filmed a juvenile inside a Target store in Sierra Vista, Arizona, authorities confirmed.
The incident, which took place on Dec. 17, 2025, has drawn widespread attention in southern Arizona due to the former prosecutor’s public role.
Paul Correa, 33, while serving as Chief Civil Deputy County Attorney, was confronted in the store’s parking lot by the father of a 12-year-old girl who accused him of recording his daughter.
Body camera footage released by law enforcement shows Correa sitting in his vehicle with his pants “disheveled” while viewing the alleged video on his phone.
Correa reportedly denied the accusations during the confrontation, stating, “That’s not true, that’s absolutely not true. I was here buying gifts for a holiday party. What would make them think I am recording things?”
Police and court documents indicate that Target security footage allegedly captured Correa filming multiple juveniles in the store, according to 13 News.
According to the report, “Correa walks within several feet of the female, pointing the back camera towards her the entire time.”
Cochise County Attorney Lori Zucco, who terminated Correa last month, called the alleged behavior “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing the importance of trust and ethical standards for public officials.
She stated, “As a career prosecutor for more than 20 years, I have zero tolerance for alleged conduct that so fundamentally violates the standards of this office. While Mr. Correa is entitled to due process in the criminal justice system, he can no longer serve in any capacity in my office.”
Due to potential conflicts of interest, the La Paz County Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.
Correa faces charges including public sexual indecency, harassment with sexual motivation, and tampering with physical evidence.
Court records suggest that investigators are examining evidence that may involve at least one additional victim, according to Fox 10.
Authorities described the efforts to locate and arrest Correa following the initial confrontation. Utilizing license plate recognition technology, police tracked his vehicle across Cochise County, leading to a high-risk traffic stop in Benson on Dec. 18.
The Herald/Review reported that Correa complied with officers’ commands, and a search of his vehicle reportedly revealed three stuffed animals and a bottle of pills not in a prescription-labeled container.
Correa was transported to the Sierra Vista police station and informed he would be interviewed by detectives. He remains in Graham County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 26 in Bisbee before Judge Henry Whitmer of Yavapai County.
Zucco praised the alleged victim for coming forward, highlighting the importance of accountability in sensitive cases involving minors.
“I am so proud of that victim who came forward and advocated for herself,” she said. “She exposed Mr. Correa for what he was, and this whole community owes a debt to her.”
The Cochise County Attorney’s Office has stepped back from the criminal investigation and will not comment further.
The arrest of a former deputy attorney underscores the heightened expectations for public officials and the seriousness of protecting minors from potential exploitation. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of Correa’s alleged conduct.
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