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Authorities involved in video controversy
Thelma Grimes
Vail Sun
The Tucson Police Department has launched an investigation on Rita Ranch resident Doug Markwith following articles printed in the Vail Sun on his business of photographing nude teenagers.
Markwith granted an interview to the Vail Sun in early May, stating that since several parents have started complaining about his photographing 18-year old girls in the area, he has not been able to run his business in peace.
Markwith said he aims for young faces, but said his business is completely legitimate and he never photographs underage girls.
After the article appeared in the June 28 issue of the Vail Sun, the Tucson Police Department launched an investigation to see if Markwith is violating residential zoning laws by operating the business inside his home.
Pushing for the investigation is Tucson Vice Mayor Shirley Scott of Ward 4, which covers Rita Ranch.
"My office received a complaint from a constituent that Mr. Markwith may be operating illegally out of his home," Scott said. "While we would not get directly involved, we passed the information on to the right department. I do not have an opinion on the situation one way or the other, but following up on information provided by constituents is just part of my service."
Markwith, 27, said he relocated to Tucson just over a year ago from Maine. The photographer and Web site designer said he expected a more open-minded atmosphere in Tucson, but has found the opposite. He didn't expect such a close-knit family environment, he said.
Officer Ray Vasquez of the Tucson Police Department had called Vail Sun Senior Reporter Thelma Grimes in for an interview last Wednesday. However, Vasquez did not attend the interview, saying he was called out. When asked about the investigation he refused comment.
"It is no secret that there is an investigation," he said. "But you know I cannot give you any details."
When asked if charges were pending or had already been filed, Vasquez again refused comment.
Markwith said he has not been contacted by police and does not expect to.
"The police have not contacted me as they have no right or reason to," he said. "I haven't done anything wrong, and from what I understand, they know this. I've also received a slew of e-mails after local residents read the article. Surprisingly enough, all of them were positive and supporting of my line of work."
Vail Sun
The Tucson Police Department has launched an investigation on Rita Ranch resident Doug Markwith following articles printed in the Vail Sun on his business of photographing nude teenagers.
Markwith granted an interview to the Vail Sun in early May, stating that since several parents have started complaining about his photographing 18-year old girls in the area, he has not been able to run his business in peace.
Markwith said he aims for young faces, but said his business is completely legitimate and he never photographs underage girls.
After the article appeared in the June 28 issue of the Vail Sun, the Tucson Police Department launched an investigation to see if Markwith is violating residential zoning laws by operating the business inside his home.
Pushing for the investigation is Tucson Vice Mayor Shirley Scott of Ward 4, which covers Rita Ranch.
"My office received a complaint from a constituent that Mr. Markwith may be operating illegally out of his home," Scott said. "While we would not get directly involved, we passed the information on to the right department. I do not have an opinion on the situation one way or the other, but following up on information provided by constituents is just part of my service."
Markwith, 27, said he relocated to Tucson just over a year ago from Maine. The photographer and Web site designer said he expected a more open-minded atmosphere in Tucson, but has found the opposite. He didn't expect such a close-knit family environment, he said.
Officer Ray Vasquez of the Tucson Police Department had called Vail Sun Senior Reporter Thelma Grimes in for an interview last Wednesday. However, Vasquez did not attend the interview, saying he was called out. When asked about the investigation he refused comment.
"It is no secret that there is an investigation," he said. "But you know I cannot give you any details."
When asked if charges were pending or had already been filed, Vasquez again refused comment.
Markwith said he has not been contacted by police and does not expect to.
"The police have not contacted me as they have no right or reason to," he said. "I haven't done anything wrong, and from what I understand, they know this. I've also received a slew of e-mails after local residents read the article. Surprisingly enough, all of them were positive and supporting of my line of work."
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