The Arizona state senator charged with sexually abusing two teenage boys resigned from his legislative seat Tuesday afternoon, The Arizona Republic reported.
State Sen. Tony Navarrete announced his resignation would be effective immediately in a letter to the president of the Arizona Senate.
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The Phoenix Democrat would have automatically lost his seat if convicted of any of the seven felony charges regarding sexual abuse and harassment. Every Democratic member of the Arizona legislature had called for Navarrette to leave office.
"Effective immediately, I am officially resigning my post as Arizona State Senator for District 30," Navarrete said.
Navarrete's child sex crime charges carry a minimum prison sentence of nearly 50 years.
"I'm very glad he decided to do the right thing so he can figure out his next steps," said Arizona Senate President Karen Fann.
A 16-year-old boy told police Navarrete touched him over several years "inappropriately for extended periods of time," putting his hand down the boy's pants, KTVK reported. The young victim lived with Navarrete at the time, another outlet said.
A second victim -- the 16-year old's younger brother -- described pushing Navarette's hand away when he attempted to touch the boy.
Prosecutors say Navarette admitted to the abuse in a telephone conversation secretly recorded Thursday. Navarette, they say, apologized to the boy and told him, "It wasn't his fault."
Authorities arrested him shortly after that call.
"To all victims, I hope this is one small step toward healing," state senator Kelly Townsend tweeted. "May we all reflect on the innocent today, and vow to protect them."
