UA dean placed on leave following indictment

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Jessie Lyle Bootman, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arizona, has been placed on administrative leave after he was indicted Wednesday on sexual assault, sexual abuse and aggravated assault charges.

The UA released a statement Wednesday afternoon stating that "his administrative assignment has been suspended pending our review of the circumstances."

Authorities said Bootman assaulted a woman in his home on Oct. 2.

A news release from the Pima County Sheriff's Department said detectives spoke to the victim the morning after the incident. The victim said she woke up with injuries, some that indicated sexual assault.

Detectives served a search warrant at Bootman's residence and said they found incriminating evidence. Combined with the victim's statements, results of the victim's medical examination, and additional evidence, detectives had developed the means to present the case to the County Attorney's Office for prosecution.

"Mr. Bootman, from my understanding, had a long-standing history in this community, but that still doesn't give anyone the right to do the things he's been accused of doing," said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. "He will get his day in court and so will our victim."

On campus Wednesday night, some students were shocked to learn about the accusations made against Bootman.

"I'm distraught just by the amount of power a dean has," said Sean Chester, a first-year nursing student. "He's got people like me, as students, who look up to him and it's kind of disappointing."

Freshman Stevie Anderson heard the news on her way to study for midterms. She said she's always felt safe on campus and she's hopeful that it won't affect the university's reputation.

"The school is still ours and we still love this school," Anderson said. "I don't think it should reflect on the university as a whole."

According to Bootman's biography on the University of Arizona website, he has been with the university since 1978 and has served as the dean of the UA College of Pharmacy since 1987. According to the UA salary database, Bootman made roughly $287,000 during the fiscal year 2014-2015.

Bootman's attorney Brad Roach, of the Roach Law Firm, released the following statement Wednesday afternoon.

"Dr. Bootman is shocked and saddened that anyone would make claims against him or his conduct. At this point, Dr. Bootman is unclear as to the exact nature of the claims made against him but he absolutely denies any wrong doing.

His entire career has revolved around helping the Tucson community and beyond, indeed his research has made global contributions. Dr. Bootman is deeply saddened that any accusation would detract from such a longstanding history of dedication to improving the medical lives of us all.

Dr. Bootman is confident that he will be exonerated of any allegations of wrongdoing."