Matthew Casey/KJZZ

Bill Gates

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

Paul Petersen in 2019.

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has chosen someone to lead the Assessor’s Office during the four-month suspension of Paul Petersen.

Petersen faces dozens of felony charges in three states in connection with allegations that he ran an illegal adoption ring. He’s been suspended for neglecting the duties of county assessor, but there’s a chance it won’t stand. 

“He does have the opportunity to appeal that and we would obviously give Mr. Petersen the due process rights that he deserves,” said Bill Gates, board chairman.

Gates spoke after a roughly 90-minute closed-door meeting with fellow supervisors, followed by a unanimous vote to have former County Flood Control and Air Quality Director Bill Wiley take the reins of the Assessor’s Office. 

“[Wiley’s] somebody who understands government and knows how to go into a difficult situation and have success, and motivate the government employees,” Gates said.

Petersen can appeal his suspension before Nov. 8, Gates said.