Mecham’s Latest Worry: Eavesdropping Laser Beams

As he faces criminal charges and possible recall or impeachment, Gov. Evan Mecham says he has yet another worry--someone may be eavesdropping on him with laser beams.

The Republican governor told a group of lawyers earlier this week that he suspects someone might be using the sophisticated electronic devices to spy on conversations at his Capitol office and his home, two attorneys said Thursday.

“That was just one of several things that were talked about,” at the breakfast table before Mecham spoke Tuesday to the Phoenix Forum Breakfast Club, attorney Sam Ciatu said.

Mecham had called a Phoenix radio station’s talk show Monday and was telling the lawyers why he had been listening to the program, attorney Ernest Calderon said. Mecham told the lawyers he keeps the radio on all of the time to keep laser beams out, Calderon said.

Laser beams are used in one form of electronic surveillance, according to experts in the field. These lasers can “read” vibrations in window glass caused by voices.

Mecham said Thursday in Tucson that the alleged eavesdropping occurred “many months ago” and that no attempt was made to find out who was listening. “We just set up some precautions so it wouldn’t happen again,” he said.

Lawmakers who read reports about Mecham’s statements reacted either with disbelief or mirth.

“There’s two things in life that worry me--laser beams aimed at my windows and eating too many Twinkies,” said state Rep. Jim Hartdegen, a Republican. “I think that’s paranoia, almost at its highest. . . . I think the next thing is sandbags around the Capitol.”

Mecham is to be arraigned today on six felony counts of fraud, perjury and filing false documents.