State Rep. Justin Heap, the Republican candidate for Maricopa County Recorder, once worked for disbarred former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas.

According to an oath of office obtained from the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, Heap was sworn in as special deputy county attorney by Thomas in July 2009. Just months later, Thomas filed unfounded accusations against other county officials that later led to his disbarment.

Heaps worked for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office until 2010, and records of his employment were destroyed after he left, according to an archivist for the office. Thomas resigned in April 2010 to run for attorney general.

According to the Arizona State Bar's website, Heap was not admitted to practice law in Arizona until December 2009, but his oath of office says he “requested to volunteer as a prosecutor.”

But it's unclear what Heaps did specifically during his time at the county attorney's office. Phil McDonnell, who was Thomas' deputy county attorney at the time, said he had heard of Heaps' name but couldn't remember what he did specifically.

The affidavit also contains a contradiction as to whether Heap took office in 2008 or 2009, yet the affidavit was filed with the Maricopa County Recorder's Office in 2009. The affidavit is signed by both Heap and Thomas.

After an investigation and disciplinary hearing, Thomas was disbarred in 2012 for suing county officials for political reasons, filing charges knowing the statute of limitations had expired, and other ethics violations.

Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is accused of conspiring with Thomas to investigate a political opponent, was also involved in the scheme and Heap recently announced his endorsement of Arpaio.

Two other attorneys for Thomas were also disbarred for their involvement in the case, but Heaps has no disciplinary record with the state bar, and his name has never been mentioned in connection with Thomas' activities.

Little is known about Heap's subsequent legal career. He graduated from Arizona State University's law school and now works at his own law firm, according to the state bar's website.

Heap did not respond to multiple requests for comment about his previous role in the county prosecutor's office.