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PHOENIX (AP) - A Latino rights organization has asked for a federal investigation into an Arizona sheriff seeking the GOP nomination for a congressional seat who was forced to confirm he is gay amid allegations of misconduct made by a Mexican immigrant with whom he had a relationship.

The group Respect Respeto on Monday sent a request to the U.S. Department of Justice for a probe into Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu for abuse of power.

Babeu confirmed he is gay Saturday and resigned from presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's Arizona committee amid the man's allegations. He denied claims he tried to threaten the man, a former campaign volunteer, with deportation if their past relationship was made public.

KNXV-TV reports Respect Respeto wants the sheriff investigated on behalf of every immigrant who has been threatened with deportation.

The group alleges in its request to the Justice Department that Babeu made "text messages, pictures and threats that are unbecoming of an elected sheriff."