Gangs in Maricopa County and an Attorney who's Making a Difference

Although we don’t always notice it in our day-to-day lives, there are dangerous gangs at work in Maricopa County. Because these gangs have learned how to navigate the criminal justice system and manipulate it to their own advantage, gang cases are often c...

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Sextortion

What is Sextortion? Sextortion is a form of exploitation where children are threatened or blackmailed by a person who demands additional sexual content, sexual activity or money from the child. The scammer will threaten the child with the possibi...

Man Indicted on 30 Felonies Including 20 Counts of Sexual Assault

(Phoenix) – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today that a grand jury has indicted James C. Estep (DOB 12/90) on thirty felony counts that include the crimes of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and theft. The attacks on six...

Two Defendants Sentenced in Child Abuse and Neglect Case

(Phoenix) – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced that two defendants have been sentenced to prison for the abuse and neglect of a 10-year-old child. The abuse was significant and included physical attacks, withholding of food, failure to...

DCA Luke Coyne Recognized as "Attorney of the Year" by the Arizona Chapter of the IAAI

DCA Luke Coyne's recognition as “Attorney of the Year” by the Arizona Chapter of the IAAI takes on a profound significance that resonates beyond the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO). The lingering effects of t...

Driver of Uber Vehicle Involved in Death of Woman in Tempe Pleads Guilty

Phoenix, Arizona – Today, Rafaela Vasquez (01/74) pled guilty to ENDANGERMENT, A CLASS 6 UNDESIGNATED OFFENSE and a Judge in the Superior Court of Maricopa sentenced her to three years of supervised probation and determined that the charge would...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Rosa Maria Santana for Child Abuse

(Phoenix) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the indictment of Rosa Maria Santana (DOB 04/99). Santana faces one count of child abuse, a class four felony. * 

According to law enforcement on July 12, S...

Two Life Sentences for Defendant in 2018 Home Invasion and Murder

(Phoenix) – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced that defendant Benny Charles Brooks III (DOB  05/93) has received the maximum possible sentences stemming from a home invasion and murder that took place in Jun...

Statement from County Attorney Rachel Mitchell: Turney Case

Statement from County Attorney Rachel Mitchell on Turney Acquittal: 

"On May 17, 2001, Paradise Valley High School Junior Alissa Turney poked her head into her boyfriend’s woodshop class and said that her stepfather was taking her out of scho...

Vehicular Heatstroke is Animal Abuse

Quick and irreversible harm: Vehicular heatstroke is a silent killer that claims the lives of many innocent pets every year. Even a few minutes in a hot car can cause harm, particularly with the triple-digit weather we are expecting this month. If you lea...

County Attorneys Ask Hobbs to Rescind Executive Order

Twelve elected county attorneys have asked Governor Katie Hobbs to rescind her Executive Order that attempts to strip their ability to review cases as duly-elected local officials.

Executive Order 2023-11 sets a “dangerous precedent,” by interfering with t...

July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Don't think your car can get stolen? Think again! In 2022, over 1 million people had their cars stolen. Even more surprising was the fact that in about 54% of these cases, the theft was a result of user error (think: leaving your key fob in your unlocked ...

Defendant Charged with 17 Felony Counts After Shooting at Phoenix Police Officers

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today that a county grand jury has indicted Martin Joseph Oliver (DOB 11/76) on 17 felony counts. Those charges include ten counts of aggravated assault, class two dange...

Meet Our Newest Prosecutor Kelley McDonald

Before the pandemic, Kelley McDonald served as a Human Resources Analyst at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In early 2020, after being accepted to the University of Arizona School of Law, she left the office to pursue her law degree. In May of 2023...

Life Sentence for Defendant Found Guilty of Killing Vietnam Veteran

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing of Jacob Samia (DOB 03/88) to life in prison with the possibility of release after 25 years. On May 2, 2023, a 12-member jury found Samia guilty of five counts inc...

Maricopa County Attorney and State of Arizona Resolve Lawsuits Regarding Executions

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) recently brought a lawsuit asking that the Arizona’s Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) be prepared to carry out an execution in accordance with the law. As par...

Court Sentences Husband to Maximum Prison Time for Killing Wife & Roommate

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced Estevanico Palmares (DOB 08/82) has been sentenced to 58 years in prison for two counts of second-degree murder for killing his wife and a roommate. Because Palmares...

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

(Phoenix) – The statistics of abuse to the elderly are alarming; one in every ten people over the age of 60 are victims of abuse in the U.S. In Maricopa County, the number of reports of abuse this year has already surpassed the numbers from 2022.

“Protecti...

Bryan Patrick Miller Sentenced to Death

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced Bryan Patrick Miller (DOB 10/72) has received two death sentences for the first-degree murder of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas. Miller also received an additional...

Combatting Vehicular Heatstroke: Essential Tips for a Safe Summer

As temperatures rise, danger increases. Vehicular heatstroke affects children and pets the most. Learn what proactive measures you can take to protect your loved ones and have a safe, heatstroke-free summer. 

What is it? Vehicular heatstroke occur...

Defendant Sentenced to 33-years for Death of MCSO Detention Officer

(Phoenix, Arizona) – A Maricopa County judge has sentenced Daniel Davitt (05/1960) to 33-years in prison for the murder of Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Gene Lee.  

In an attack caught on video, Davitt grabbed Officer Lee by t...

Celebrating Those Making a Difference

In Honor of Jewish American Heritage Month

During Jewish American Heritage Month, it is a privilege to shine a spotlight on the contributions of a colleague dedicated to the community in the courtroom and beyond. Meet Jeremy Rovinsky, a Deputy County Attor...

Defendant Accused of Burning Body in Dumpster Indicted for First Degree Murder

(Phoenix) – Today, the office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the indictment of Dave Jacuan Kahlil Dinkins (DOB 10/99)*.  Dinkins is facing a total of four counts including first degree murder, a class one dangerous felony; ...

Zion William Teasley Indicted for First Degree Murder in Death of Lauren Heike

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that a county grand jury has indicted Zion William Teasley (01/01) with one count of first-degree murder, a class one dangerous felony.*

Teasley was arrested and booked i...

Defendant Sentenced to 25 Years for Wife’s Murder

(Phoenix) – Today, Maricopa Superior Court Judge Michael Blair sentenced a Gilbert man to 25 years in prison for the September 2017 murder of his wife. Mark Eric Ponsati (DOB 04/81) was charged with one count of second-degree murder and was sent...

Grand Jury Indictment for Lori Vallow

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has received permission from the court to unseal and disclose the attached Grand Jury Indictment against Lori Vallow for the matter that took place in Gilbert, Arizona on Oct. 2, 2019. The office will provid...

Defendant Indicted for Assault on Phoenix Police Officer

(Phoenix) –The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the indictment of Rudy Gomez (DOB 09/93). Gomez now faces eight felony counts including three counts of aggravated assault, class three felonies; four counts of enda...

National Fentanyl Awareness Day is May 9

Maricopa County continues to see dramatic rise in prosecution of fentanyl-related cases 

(Phoenix) – In Arizona, an average of five people die every day from an opioid overdose according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Meantime, Arizo...

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: Seeking Justice, Caring for Victims

(Phoenix) – When we hear about crime, most often the stories are about catching or prosecuting the bad guys responsible. Yet, there is another large group of people who are deeply affected: the victims of those crimes.

This year, April 23 through...

Carjacker Who Shot at Officers, Ran Over Woman Sentenced

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell today announced the sentencing of Christopher John Garcia (DOB 09/88).

On October 14, 2017, Garcia carjacked a vehicle driven by a woman who was 30-weeks pregnant. During...

Shred-A-Thon and Prescription Drug Take-Back

It's time for some Spring cleaning! Join the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and the Chandler Police Department for a Shred-A-Thon and Prescription Drug Take-Back on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chandler-Gilbert Com...

Judge Finds Bryan Patrick Miller Guilty on All Counts

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced defendant Bryan Patrick Miller (DOB 10/72) has been found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, dangerous class one felonies, two counts of kidnapping, ...

2022 Jewelry Store Armed Robbers Sentenced

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today that a judge has sentenced the last of four defendants in the 2022 armed robbery of a Glendale jewelry store. Defendants Gary Wayne Freeny (11/95), Monta...

MCAO Hosts Fentanyl Educational Forum at McClintock HS

(Phoenix, Arizona) – County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, in partnership with Tempe Union High School District and the Tempe Police Department, hosted a fentanyl educational forum on Tuesday, March 21. The event was held at McClintock High School and was gear...

Maricopa County Attorney's Office Filing with Arizona Supreme Court

Yesterday, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office filed the following motions with the Arizona Supreme Court.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated, “As County Attorney, I took an oath to uphold the US Constitution and the constitution and laws of the Stat...

Former Attorney Convicted of Sexual Assault Sentenced Today

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today that Edward Maldonado (02/75) was sentenced to six years in prison. As part of his sentencing, Maldonado will be required to register as a lifetime sex offender an...

Mother’s Boyfriend Indicted, Accused of Killing Child

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today that a county grand jury has indicted Diego Miguel Garcia (09/99) with one count of first degree murder, a class one dangerous crime against children and one count...

Case Submitted by Goodyear Police for Crash Involving Cyclists Furthered

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has reviewed the report submitted by Goodyear Police involving Pedro Quintana-Lujan and have furthered it back to law enforcement for additional investigation.

“The deaths of the two cyclists and i...

Defendant Selling Wild Tiger Cub Indicted

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The office of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that a county grand jury has indicted Carlos Eduardo Castro Alcaraz (09/97) with one count of unlawful taking/handling/possession/sale of wildlife, a class six felony, u...

Celebrate Black History Month: Meet Detective John Byrd

In honor of Black History Month, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office would like to highlight an employee that goes above and beyond in their contributions to the criminal justice system and the community. This coming April highlights the seventh year De...

Defendant with More Than 1,200 Catalytic Converters Arraigned

(Phoenix, Arizona) – County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has made ending catalytic converter thefts and the prosecution of those who commit this offense a priority for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Today, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced def...

Message from Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell

Yesterday marked the 30th anniversary of the day I started as a prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.  My training class included several other prosecutors still working here today.  I was a law clerk before that...

Indictment Issued Against Former Mesa Police Officer

(Phoenix, Arizona) – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has indicted former Mesa Police Officer Kaylon Hall for two counts of Endangerment, a Class 6 Dangerous Felony, for an incident that occurred on July 2, 2022.*

During a traffic stop, Hall fired two shots fr...

2020 Violent Crime Spree Defendants Sentenced

(Phoenix, Arizona) – A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has sentenced Jaquan Bailey (06/02), Stephon Mitchell (07/02), and Vincent Culbreath (03/82) to serve prison time for their involvement in a 2020 violent crime spree that included armed robberies...

Thank You for Your Service

This month, two outstanding employees retired from MCAO. Juvenile Division Chief Beth Beringhaus and Investigations Division Chief Mark Stribling have had exceptional careers at MCAO and made a lasting impression on the office. Read more about their caree...

No Charges for Officer Conduct

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office reviewed a submittal from the Phoenix Police Department for an incident that occurred on Oct. 27, 2022, to determine whether two officers used excessive force when taking a defendant into custody ...

32 Year Prison Sentence for Husband Who Killed Estranged Wife

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Last week, a Maricopa County judge sentenced Derek V. Minor (1/1949) to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder, a class one dangerous felony and seven years in prison for theft of means of transportation, a class three ...

Valley Woman Steals $2.5 Million from Arizona Based Company, Sentenced to Prison

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Last month, Jamie Leeanne Baltazar (9/1975) pleaded guilty of two counts of theft, class 2 felonies. This week a Maricopa County judge sentenced Baltazar to 10 years in prison to be served in the Arizona Department of Correc...

A Year in Review

As 2022 comes to an end, we want to highlight the exceptional work of our employees at MCAO. This year brought about many changes, but our employees remained committed to the office’s mission of holding criminals accountable, protecting victims&...

Swearing in of Elected County Attorney Rachel H. Mitchell

(Phoenix, Arizona) – On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, Rachel H. Mitchell, a longtime prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO), was sworn in as the newly elected County Attorney. Mitchell was sworn in by Arizona Supreme Court Judge Kathryn H...

Two Individuals Indicted on Manslaughter, Endangerment Charges for Alleged Street Racing Activity

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Jakel Huckaby (09/05) and Elena Marie Rodriguez (05/05) have been indicted by a Maricopa County grand jury for nine felony charges.

Huckaby is facing four counts of manslaughter, class two dangerous felonies, one count of aggravated as...

Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years, Lifetime Probation

(Phoenix, Arizona) – In September of 2022, Kevin Todd St. Ledger (07/65) pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, a class two dangerous felony, and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, class three dangerous felonie...

Driver Indicted for Death of 8-Year-Old Passenger

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Earlier this month, a Maricopa County Grand Jury indicted Sidney Garfield Garrand (09/74) with seven felony counts. Garrand is facing one count of second-degree murder, a class one felony, one count of attempt to commit second-degree ...

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month: Meet Linda Roanhorse

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we want to share the story of Linda Roanhorse, an Office Assistant with the Civil Division. Learn about her experience and Native American Heritage.

Linda Roanhorse was born in Los Angeles, California but was rai...

MCAO's Adoption Services Bureau Continues to Bring Families Together

Since it was brought back to the office in July 2020, MCAO's Adoption Services Bureau has conducted over 200 adoptions and saved taxpayers over $1 million. Our Adoption Services Bureau comprises three MCAO employees: legal support specialist Ashley Espino...

Promoting Collaboration to Combat Organized Retail Theft

In July of this year, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the start of a new Organized Retail Theft Team in response to increased organized retail theft. Organized retail theft refers to groups, gangs, or individuals who illegally obtain re...

20 Year Prison Sentence for Internet Predator Who Sexually Exploited Minors

(Phoenix, Arizona) – In September of this year, Devon Ray Sharma (DOB 4/94) pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, a class two felony, one count of sex trafficking, a class two dangerous felony, and one count of pandering, a class ...

Drug Dealer Found Guilty of Selling Fentanyl at Homeless Camp Sentenced

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Last month, Cristian Machado (DOB 6/01) pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to commit sale or transportation of dangerous drugs, a class three felony and one count of possession of narcotic drugs for sale, a class two felony. Last ...

Natural Life in Prison Sentence for Defendant in February 2021 Shooting

(Phoenix, Arizona) – In August of this year, a Maricopa County jury found defendant J’ssan Carlos Strover (DOB 1/01) guilty of three counts: first degree murder, a class one dangerous felony, attempted first degree murder, a class two dangerous felony and...

Alleged Child Molester Extradited to Maricopa County

(Phoenix, Arizona) – A collaborative effort between the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Phoenix Police Department, and the U.S. Marshal’s Office has resulted in the extradition of Miguel Franco-Castañeda(DOB 8/48).  Franco-Castañeda is acc...

Life Sentence Ordered for Defendant in Multiple Murders and Armed Robberies

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Last month, defendant Julian Anthony Perry (07/97) pleaded guilty to nine felony charges.  Included in his guilty pleas are: four first degree murders, class one felony charges; three armed robberies with a deadly weapon, cla...

Prolific Street Racer Sentenced to Prison

(Phoenix, Arizona) – On August 10, 2022 Jessie Ray Luna-Espinoza (DOB 6/89) of Phoenix pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct involving weapons, a class four felony and one count of racing, a class six felony. Earlier this week, a Maricopa Co...

Free Catalytic Converter Etching Event in Mesa

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Mesa Police and Midas Auto Repair are bringing a free VIN etching event to the residents of Maricopa County. As we see catalytic converter thefts skyrocket throughout our valley streets, our goal is to empower citize...

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell Leads Panel Discussion on Fentanyl, Parents Encouraged to Attend

(Phoenix, Arizona) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is providing a one-hour question and answer panel discussion on fentanyl. 

“Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine....

Two Women with Over 850,000 Fentanyl Pills Indicted

(Phoenix, Arizona) – On August 24, 2022 Kimberli Guadalupe Torres-Marin (DOB 08/1996) and Alexa Torres-Marin (DOB 08/2003) were arrested after Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputies found over 850,000 counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl ...

County Attorney Announces Policy Changes to Address Gun Violence

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Violent crime in Maricopa is soaring. Between August 19 and August 29, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office received submittals for 16 homicides. In just ten days, 16 lives were lost to violent crime. Of those cases:

• 15 cases listed g...

Discuss International Overdose Awareness Day with Young People

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Every day in Arizona, an average of five people die from opioid overdose, forcing five families to mourn the loss of a son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father. Opioid and fentanyl addiction is plaguing communities across th...

MCAO Wins Big at the 2022 APAAC Awards

The Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory council provides training and education to prosecutors throughout Arizona. Every year the council hosts a conference recognizing those who’ve made a difference in the world of criminal justice. This year, Marico...

County Attorney Announces Effort to Combat Animal Cruelty

(Phoenix, Arizona) According to the US Department of Justice, animal cruelty crimes can serve as a precursor to more violent crimes and other types of offenses such as domestic violence, assault, and elder abuse. Some studies have referred to animal cruel...

Help Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts

While catalytic converter theft is not a new crime, we have seen this crime trend grow exponentially in the Valley over the last few years. In 2019, the City of Phoenix reported 70 catalytic converter thefts. Last year, that number jumped to over 4,700 re...

Significant Sentencings: Man Who Shot & Killed Gas Station Employee & Mother Who Killed Two Children

CR2015-103569-001:

Today, a Judge sentenced Apolinar Altamirano (06/1985) to 38.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, followed by supervised probation upon his release for the 2015 killing of convenience store employee Grant Ronneback.

On a cold...

A Violent Weekend with Six Homicides, Includes 15-Year-Old Victim

(Phoenix, Arizona) – On a typical Tuesday, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office receives submittals from law enforcement for two to three homicides to review for charges that occur over the weekend.  This past weekend, the numbers hit a record h...

Final Two Defendants in 2010 Killing of Chandler Police Officer Carlos Ledesma Sentenced

(Phoenix, Arizona) – In July of 2010, Chandler Police Officer Carlos Ledesma was murdered, and two other officers were injured. The planned armed robbery involved ten co-conspirators, two of whom died that day in addition to Officer Ledesma.  The...

Drug Trafficking Organization Members Indicted

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Phoenix police detectives have dismantled a drug trafficking operation based in Mexico. The year-long investigation into drug activity has led to the indictments of 14 member of the drug trafficking organization. 

The investig...

Ramsey Bronyah Named Prosecutor of the Year by Arizona Narcotic Officers Association

Prosecutors in the MCAO's Drug Enforcement Bureau handle cases that not only deal with drugs and drug trafficking but are often linked to violent crimes such as homicides, kidnapping, and robbery. We are fortunate to have a team of skilled prosec...

Teamwork to the Fullest: Meet Our PV Team

Every section within every bureau in our office plays a vital role in the way MCAO functions within the Criminal Justice System. Each department evolves overtime to integrate the everchanging needs of our society. One of our most dynamic sections that dem...

Defendant Receives Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing an 11-year-old Child

(Phoenix, Arizona) – In April of this year, a jury found Hugo Molina-Torres of Mesa guilty of molesting and having sexual conduct with an 11-year-old female. On Friday, a judge sentenced Molina-Torres to life in prison with the possibility of community su...

Defendant in Westgate Shopping Center Shooting from 2020 Sentenced

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Today, Armando Hernandez (DOB 6/99) received the maximum sentence of 44 years in prison for crimes committed during a mass shooting on May 20, 2020 in Glendale, AZ. In April, Hernandez pleaded guilty to two counts of Attempted First-D...

Convicted Child Molester Sentenced to 20 Years

(Phoenix, Arizona) – On June 24, 2022, Rex Shotell Cravat (DOB 3/1976) of Mesa, Arizona received a 20-year sentence with lifetime probation after pleading guilty three counts involving sexual conduct with a minor.

The crime was discovered after the victim ...

Suspects in Attempted Murder of Phoenix Police Officer Indicted

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Two men have been indicted by a Maricopa County Grand Jury for the shooting of a Phoenix Police Officer on June 14, 2022. Aaron Luther Ware (11/1999) and Ahmani Deshawn Gordon (06/2000) have each been indicted on three felony counts: ...

Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July

Every year, holiday weekends see an increase in DUI activity and fatal traffic accidents. Last year, Arizona saw more than 8,000 traffic stops and 400 DUI arrest over the Fourth of July weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrat...

Victim Advocate Celia Ortiz Set to Retire after 25 Years with MCAO

Celia Ortiz was a history major at ASU when her career trajectory completely changed. Celia and her twin sister had plans to go to dinner and see a movie when they ended up helping an older woman whose purse had been stolen. “We chased a purse snatcher at...

County Attorney’s Office Seeks Death Penalty in Murder of 11-year-old in Scottsdale Hotel

(Phoenix, Arizona) – At the direction of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Stephanie M. Davis (DOB: 5/1970) and Thomas J. Desharnais (DOB: 9/1988) if the defendants are co...

Defendant in Retail Store Beating Indicted on Aggravated Assault, Misconduct Involving Weapons

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Michael Hakim Cook (2/1989), the suspect in a case of an aggravated assault at a cellphone store in West Phoenix has been served with two indictments issued by a Maricopa County Grand Jury, one for the alleged acts on June 4^th and for...

June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15^th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; a day where we should all take the time to learn how to spot the signs of senior abuse so that we may know what to do to protect this vulnerable population. While studies have found that one in 10 older adults...

Wanted: People Who Want to Make a Difference While Making a Living

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Like every other industry across the country, the criminal justice system is not immune to a shortage of qualified personnel.  Currently, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office faces a 20% vacancy across all positions. County ...

Defendant in Eleven Drive-By Shootings Indicted

(Phoenix, Arizona) – A 72-count indictment has been filed on 24-year-old Manuel Sierra. Sierra is the defendant in the case of 11 drive-by shootings spanning from December 2021 to May 2022 in West and South Phoenix.

In the indictment, prosecutors state Sie...

One Pill Can Kill: Understanding the Risks of Opioids

Whether you have heard about it through the news, social media, a show, movie, or documentary, the discussion about the opioid epidemic and drug overdoses seems unavoidable. Even with this crisis gaining so much awareness, we are still seeing record-break...

Grand Jury Indictment Issued Against Christopher Hoopes for 2nd Degree Murder

(Phoenix, Arizona) – On May 27, 2022, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged Christopher Hoopes (06/1985) with two felony charges. The charges are the result of the death of Hoopes’ wife, Colleen Hoopes, which occurred in Tempe on May 20, 2022.

Hoopes has be...

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell Announces Decision in Chandler Officer Involved Shooting from 2021

(Phoenix, Arizona) – At a news conference earlier today, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that she will not be filing criminal charges in the shooting death of Anthony Cano on January 2, 2021 by Chandler Police Officer Chase Bebak-Mille...

Lieutenant Ira Williams Retires After 14 Years at MCAO

Lieutenant Ira Williams’ public service career is a testament to his dedication and commitment to public safety. Lt. Williams started his career with the Phoenix Police Department, graduating from the Police Academy in 1974. He then became a detective and...

Beyond The Courtroom: Meet Jolie Panyon

To honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we would like to highlight an employee that makes a difference in and out of the office. Legal Support Supervisor Jolie Panyon is an outstanding member of our MCAO team. In addition to her work ...

Talk to Your Kids About Internet Safety

May 25th is Missing Children's Day

One of the first missing children to be pictured on the iconic milk cartons was 6-year-old Etan Patz, who disappeared back in 1979 from a New York City street corner. In memory of the day Etan was kidnapped, President Ron...

16-Year Sentence Imposed for Repeat Violent Offender

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Today, Christopher James Mendoza (36) was sentenced to 16 years for six counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Class 2 Dangerous Felony, and one count of Kidnapping, also a Class 2 Dangerous Felony.

Mendoza was arrested o...

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell Announces Leadership Team

Phoenix, Arizona) – County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced her leadership team at the County Attorney’s Office. The changes became effective Monday, May 9, 2022.

Paul Ahler has re-joined the office as Chief Deputy. Ahler is a career prosecutor for m...

Help Prevent Vehicular Heatstroke This Summer

Summer may not be here yet, but warmer weather has already arrived in the Valley! According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Spring Outlook report, Arizona is expected to see higher than normal temperatures this summer as drough...

Maricopa Grand Jury Indicts Charles Ryan

(Phoenix, Arizona) – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has charged Charles Lee Ryan with two felony charges. The charges are a result of an incident that occurred in Tempe on January 6, 2022. Ryan has been indicted with one count of disorderly conduct involvin...

County Attorney Seeks Death Penalty in Murder of Maricopa County Sheriff Deputy

(Phoenix, Arizona) – Under the direction of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Clinton Robert Hurley (DOB: 1990) if the defendant is convicted of First-Degree Murder.

On Feb...

Solving and Prosecuting Cold Cases in Maricopa County

Cold cases have always been a point of interest for the public due to the unknown factors surrounding a case. A cold case is defined as a homicide or a felony sexual offense that remains unsolved for one year or more after being reported to a law enforcem...

MCAO's Court Advocates: Help for All Victims of Crime

Every year, Maricopa County residents are unexpectedly affected by crime. Crime can impact anyone regardless of age or gender, where they live or work. It doesn't discriminate. While crime is unexpected, Maricopa County residents can count on the County A...

K-9 Victim Advocate Tori is Retiring!

When honoring our Victim Advocates this week, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the valuable work that our court facility dogs contribute. From accompanying victims to the pre-trial hearings, sentencings, trials, and more, our four-legged emplo...

MCAO Staff Receive Awards During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

(Phoenix, Arizona) - Today marks the beginning of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week across our country. The theme this year: Rights, Access, and Equity for all Victims. In Arizona, the 2022 Arizona Crime Victim’s Rights Week celebrated the work of victi...

Bringing Justice to Animals: Meet MCAO Prosecutor Casey Mundell

During this National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, we are introducing you to Prosecutor Casey Mundell. Mundell handles all animal abuse and neglect cases. His passion for the proper and just treatment of all animals in Maricopa County is visible...

Veteran Prosecutor Rachel Mitchell is appointed as Maricopa County Attorney

With 30 years of experience, Mitchell is ready to restore trust to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

“I am honored the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has faith and trust in my ability to lead one of the largest prosecution offices in the country ...

Bringing Hope to Survivors of Sexual Assault

No one should be a victim of sexual assault, but those that are victims deserve justice. A key component to achieving justice for survivors of sexual assault is DNA evidence. Having DNA evidence can increase the likelihood of a perpetrator being identifie...

MCAO Employees Volunteer at 2022 Annual Maricopa County Veterans StandDown

The County Attorney's Office is fortunate to have employees who understand the impact of their work, know the issues our communities are facing, and, when given an opportunity, step up to help.

Last month, MCAO prosecutors Denise O'Rourke, Frank Woods, Aar...

County Attorney’s Office Launches Veterans’ Diversion Program

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 (Phoenix, AZ) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced today the launch of its newest pre-trial diversion program designed specifically for Veterans. The Veterans’ Diversion Program, which will take effect on April 4, 20...

Celebrate Women's History Month: Meet Adriana Genco

The work of a prosecutor is complex. Every defendant, victim, and case is unique. Therefore, serving fair and equal justice is different from case to case, and it’s the prosecutor's job to use their expertise, skills, and knowledge of t...

MCAO’s Citizens Academy Is Back!

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the return of our Citizens Academy. This free, one-day program provides Maricopa County residents with a behind-the-scenes look at the County Attorney’s Office and the criminal justice system. The...

Celebrate Women’s History Month: Meet Detective Garcia

In addition to prosecution, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office plays many other roles and responsibilities within the criminal justice system. One many don't know about involves the office's own specialized sworn law enforcem...

Celebrating Women's History Month: Meet Dawn Valentine

Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and the vital role women have played and continue to play in American history. It's also a time to celebrate women who make a difference today!

Dawn Valentine, a Public Reco...

Maricopa County Attorney's Office 2021 Annual Report

March 9, 2022 (Phoenix, AZ)- At the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, a lot of the work we do takes place behind the scenes and beyond the courtroom. There is an immense amount of work that takes place every day in our office to keep the crimin...

County Attorney’s Office Expands Efforts to Assist Community with Marijuana Expungement

Monday, March 7, 2022 (Phoenix, AZ) – Over seven months ago, individuals in Arizona with certain marijuana-related convictions became eligible to have their criminal records expunged, or cleared, of the conviction, under Proposition 207, the Arizona Safe ...

Celebrating Our Workforce on Employee Appreciation Day!

When people think about the County Attorney's Office, they believe our office is solely made up of prosecutors and only prosecute crimes. While prosecution is a big part of what we do, it's only one of the many responsibilities our office and our employee...

Meet our New Community Affairs Coordinator

The work of the County Attorney's Office has an impact beyond the courtroom and affects communities throughout Maricopa County. That's why the office has a team dedicated to helping prevent crime and foster relationships with these communities. In additio...

Stay Aware of Teen Dating Violence

Talking to teens about dating can be uncomfortable. Still, honest and meaningful conversations about relationships can make a significant difference for teens navigating friendships, dating, and decision making.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness M...

How Valuable is Your Personal Information?

Millions of Americans are affected by identity theft every year. Contrary to popular belief, identity theft can affect anyone regardless of economic status and even age. The last thing you want, especially around tax season, is to have someone steal your ...

MCAO Receives Millions in Federal Funding for Cold Cases & Processing of Sexual Assault Rape Kits

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 (Phoenix, AZ) - The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) is proud to announce it is the recipient of approximately $3 million in grants from the Department of Justice to help find justice for victims of crime.

One of the grants wi...

Everyday Habits That Will Boost Your Safety in 2022

The start of the year provides you with an opportunity to start over and plan for what you want to accomplish in the months ahead. Whether you plan to start a new career, hobby, or make improvements to your health or home, you should leave some space in t...

Start the Year with a New Career

Did you know the start of the year is one of the best times to find a new job? If you're looking for a career change and have experience or interest in the criminal justice system, consider applying to work at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Curren...

Human Trafficking and the Hospitality Industry

Everyone can play a role in combating human trafficking. However, some of you may be more likely to spot signs of trafficking because of your place of work. According to the Polaris Project, 75% of survivors that contacted the National Human Trafficking H...

Learn the Signs and Help Put a Stop to Human Trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Every year, thousands of vulnerable people are exploited for profit in the United States. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received over 300,000 contacts via calls, emails, and online chats...

Keep Your Family Safe in 2022 by Shredding Old Documents and Safely Disposing of Old Medication

January 6, 2022 (Phoenix, AZ) – Keep your family safe in the new year by safely ridding your home of personal documents and no-longer needed medication.

Volunteers from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Surprise Police Department will ...

Defendant Sentenced for Brutal Beating of Nine-Week Old Infant

Tuesday, January 4, 2022 (Phoenix, AZ) – Yesterday, a judge sentenced Baudel Alejandro Bermudez, DOB 11/1984, to 34 years in prison for two counts of Child Abuse, a Class 2 Dangerous Crimes Against a Child. Bermudez was sentenced to 17 years for...

MCAO Year in Review

While the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect our daily lives this year, our staff’s commitment and dedication to public service remained unchanged. As 2021 comes to an end, we want to highlight the exceptional work of our employees and t...

Help Keep Our Roads Safe this Holiday Season

The two most significant holidays of the year are right around the corner, and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office wants to encourage you to make your safety a priority. The holidays can be stressful and distracting, but our focus should be on the road ...

Year in Review: 2021 Crime Trends

We are weeks away from the start of the new year, and many of us will use this time to reflect on our accomplishments and milestones and identify areas that could use some work. Although this type of reflection typically brings to mind changes in your car...

Holiday Home and Travel Safety

Whether you are traveling or staying home for the holidays, your safety should be a top priority. Now is the perfect time to either make arrangements that keep your property safe while you're away or update safety features in your home so your fa...

Help Prevent Road Rage Incidents by Driving Safely

Over the last few weeks, cities in the Valley have been plagued by incidents of aggressive driving and road rage, incidents that in some cases have left drivers with injuries and, unfortunately, in others have cost them their lives. Road rage incidents ha...

Get Gifts, Not Scams this Holiday Season

Holiday shopping can be stressful. There's a lot on our minds between deciding on the right gift and finding it online or in the store. On top of it all, supply chain issues and material shortages might make it even harder to find the gifts you're looking...

How to Avoid Scams Calls

Do you receive multiple spam calls a day? You're not alone. Last month, Arizona received 88.5 million unwanted calls. That's approximately 2.9 million calls a day, with the average person receiving 12.6 phone calls. Residents receive phone calls about &qu...

Honoring All Who Serve on Veterans Day

Originally meant to celebrate the end of World War I, Veterans Day is now a time for us to honor all who have served and celebrate their contributions and accomplishments to our country.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is lucky to have veterans who w...

Phoenix Man Accused of Child Sex Trafficking Receives Guilty Conviction Sentenced to 141.5 Years

Thursday, November 4, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – After three years of arduous work, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announces the conviction of William James McElroy Jr. McElroy is a dangerous felon who took in a runa...

New to Maricopa County? Keep Up with Crime Trends to Stay Safe

Moving to a new city or state can be exciting! But are you fully prepared to live safely in your new neighborhood? After you've moved in and crossed every to-do off your checklist, you may be wondering what you should look into next. Once you get settled ...

MCAO Juvenile Division Employees Provide Mentorship Program for Teenage Girls

MCAO employees are constantly making a difference in the courtroom and beyond. For example, this summer, employees from the Juvenile Division partnered with the Hope Women's Center and created a summer mentorship program for teenage girls. The Hope Women'...

Maricopa County Announces Settlement with Manufacturers and Distributors of Prescription Opioids

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – Earlier today, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel stood with families and announced a historic agreement to settle with manufacturers and distributors of opioids for their role in unlawfully marketi...

Get Kids Involved! Teach Them to be Safe Online

As parents or guardians, it can be challenging to know when to allow kids to go online, much less how to talk to them about it. One thing is certain, the internet isn't going away anytime soon. Any child who uses a device to go online needs guidance from ...

Domestic Violence Remains Prevalent Issue in Maricopa County

October 11, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is prevalent in our communities and while it tends to happen behind closed doors, the numbers speak volumes about those who fall victim to an aggress...

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Luis Figueroa

Luis Figueroa starts his day by meeting with his team before heading out to walk around the office and check-in with employees to ensure their computers and systems applications are working. "One of the best parts about this job is getting to know em...

Learning about Healthy Relationships is Key to Preventing Dating Violence

It's easy to think that relationship violence isn't something that would happen to your family. Unfortunately, dating violence among teens and young adults is more prevalent than we think. Approximately 1.5 million teens experience datin...

Talk to Kids and Teens About Healthy Coping Mechanisms

The National Alliance of Mental Illness shared that teen suicide rates are higher than the national average in Arizona, with 17% of high school students say they've seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. In addition, Teen Lifeline, the ...

Social Media and its Impact on Youth's Mental Health

Social media plays a big part in the lives of teens and young adults. Through social media networks, teens can connect with friends, family, their community, and school. For some, social media is also a place they can go to for support and services. These...

Statement from County Attorney Allister Adel

September 10, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – “After a very difficult year for me medically, professionally and personally, I have made the decision to seek treatment for anxiety and to address unhealthy coping behaviors including an eating disorder and alc...

20th Anniversary of September 11th

Many can remember precisely where they were when they learned of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since that tragic day. While painful, it's i...

The Connection Between Snapchat and Fentanyl

You may not have seen it, but it's already here. Fentanyl is present and impacting communities across Arizona. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid prescribed to reduce extreme pain and is 100 times stronger than morphine. All types of opioids are addictive and...

MCAO Provides Grants to 13 Local Non-Profit Organizations

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is committed to helping improve the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout Maricopa County. While most of our work focuses on the aftermath of a crime and the impact it has on victims and communities, it’s just a...

Talk to Teens About Substance Abuse

It may seem that a new drug or trend is affecting the lives of children and teens every day. For parents, it's just as important to learn about these issues as it is to take action and talk to their kids. Ignoring the problem or assuming your child isn't ...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Otoniel “Tony” Navarette

Thursday, August 19, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – On August 13, 2021, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged Otoniel Navarrete (DOB 10/1985) with one count of MOLESTATION OF A CHILD, A CLASS 2 FELONY Dangerous Crime Against Children, three counts of SEXUA...

DCA Veronica Skinner Awarded Prosecutor of the Year by the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association

Last month, Deputy County Attorney Veronica Skinner was awarded the Prosecutor of the Year Award by the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association for her significant accomplishments in a large-scale wiretap investigation, prosecutions, trial work, and trainin...

Practice Personal Safety in Layers

We can't control what happens around us, but we can prepare to keep ourselves safe in an emergency or dangerous situation. Wherever you are and whatever you do, take time to think about your safety and ways you can protect yourself. Safety is most efficie...

Statement from County Attorney Regarding Review in Handling of Gang Charges

August 12, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) - As the Maricopa County Attorney, I lead an office of nearly 1,000 employees who handle more than 40,000 criminal cases a year. It is my expectation that the actions and decisions made by employees on behalf of this agency a...

DCA Michael Baker Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award

This June, DCA Michael “Mike” Baker was recognized at the Arizona Prosecuting Attorney's Advisory Council’s Annual Prosecutor Conference where he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a prosecutor with a disti...

DCA Julie Done Recognized as Appellate Prosecutor of the Year

After completing law school and moving to Arizona, Julie joined the Capital Litigation and Criminal Appeals Sections of the Attorney General’s Office. In 2019, after 13 years with that office, Julie joined MCAO as a Deputy County Attorney with t...

Internship Opportunities at MCAO

Behind the scenes at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office is an intricate system of bureaus, divisions, and employees all working together to support victims' rights and hold criminals accountable. Among these are college and law students getting hands-o...

MCAO Employees Recognized at APAAC's Annual Prosecutor Conference

Last month, the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (APAAC) recognized outstanding prosecutors during its Annual Prosecutor Conference. APAAC was created by the Arizona Legislature in 1977, with the primary purpose of providing train...

Plan to Remember and Avoid Heatstroke

Even on mild or cloudy days, temperatures inside parked vehicles can reach life-threatening levels. Unfortunately, vehicular heatstroke continues to take the lives of those most vulnerable in our communities, our children. The three primary circumstances ...

Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act

Signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a landmark piece of civil rights legislation and at the time the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilit...

Safeguard Your Home Before Going on Vacation

After a year of being at home, many are looking forward to taking time off this summer and finally traveling and going on vacation. Unfortunately, families aren't the only ones looking forward to vacations. Burglars are ready to take advantage of unlocked...

Drive Responsibly and Keep Our Roads Safe

We are all responsible for driving safely. Yet when crashes occur, in more than 90 percent of cases, they result from irresponsible driver behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, or driving recklessly. This year, Arizona ...

Keep Your Vehicle Safe this Summer

July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Vehicles are a necessary part of our lives and a significant financial investment, making it devastating to have one stolen, especially during the summer months. In Arizona, a vehicle is stolen every 30 minutes, and a...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Lori N. Vallow in Death of Charles Vallow

Tuesday, June 29, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – On June 24, 2021, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged Lori N. Vallow with one count of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, a CLASS 1 FELONY Dangerous, in the death of Charles Vallow.

The indictment sta...

Summer Safety Series: Celebrate and Designate this Fourth of July

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not worth the risk. Serious car crashes as a result of impaired driving occur during every major holiday in the United States. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, more people di...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Files Motion to Dismiss in Case Against Jerry Sanstead

June 25, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has filed a Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice in the case against Jerry Sanstead, the driver who killed Salt River Police Officer Clayton Townsend. (CR2020-00...

Maricopa County Attorney Announces Effort to Assist with Expungement of Prior Marijuana Convictions

Monday, June 21, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) - On Nov. 3, 2020, voters in Arizona passed Proposition 207, also known as the Smart and Safe Act. The ballot measure legalized the adult recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 and older and beginning July 12, 2021,...

Summer Safety Series: Utility Scams

As temperatures continue to heat up and utility bills increase, scammers impersonating utility companies will use phone calls, text messages, emails, and in-person visits to demand payment for "overdue bills." Falling for this type of scam could...

County Attorney’s Office Receives National Recognition for Home Detention Program and Data Dashboard

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) - The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has been recognized with two National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo).  These awards honor innovative, effective cou...

Statement from County Attorney Allister Adel Regarding Dismissal of Charges for Oct. 17, 2020 Case

Friday, June 11, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – “Today the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office filed a motion to dismiss all charges stemming from the events of Oct. 17, 2020, with prejudice. It is the decision of this office th...

Summer Safety Series: Help Kids Make Smart Decisions Online

June is Internet Safety Month. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office wants parents, teachers, and caregivers to learn how to keep their children safe while navigating the online world. As the school year comes to an end and we get ready for summer, review...

Help Raise Awareness of Child Abuse

At the peak of the pandemic last year, child abuse reports plummeted, with some agencies reporting a 60% decrease in calls to hotlines and child protective services. In an analysis by the Associated Press, 400,000 fewer child welfare concerns were reporte...

National Missing Children's Day

Six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared on May 25, 1979, while he was on his way to school in New York City. After being reported missing by his mother and an intensive search with more than 100 police officers and bloodhounds, he was never found. Etan's disap...

Juvenile Crime Trends and Prevention Tips

A person's development during their childhood and teenage years plays a vital role in shaping the rest of their lives and their decisions as an adult. Unfortunately, if those early years are exposed to multiple risk factors, a young person can find themse...

Talk to Your Teen About Marijuana Use

Last year voters decided to legalize recreational marijuana use across the state of Arizona. For parents, legalization adds another element of difficulty in teaching and raising kids to be drug-free. After the rise in cases of e-cigarette or vaping-associ...

A Career in Public Service

This month, students in Maricopa County will be crossing the stage to receive their high school or college diploma. As you celebrate this milestone, you might be weighing your options and deciding on a meaningful career that aligns with your goals.

Here at...

Honoring Victims in the Criminal Justice System

It is often said that victims of crime of victimized twice…once when the crime occurs and again as the person harmed is forced to navigate a complicated criminal justice system in order to ensure the offender is held accountable.

No doubt, our system of ju...

With Temps Rising in the Valley, CA Wants to Help Families Prevent Vehicular Heatstroke Tragedies

Thursday, April 29, 2021 (Phoenix, AZ) – With temperatures rising in the Valley, families and caregivers need to take extra safety precautions to prevent leaving children and pets in cars. Outdoor temperatures do not need to be extreme for an ex...

Employee Spotlight: Aisha Robertson

This National Crime Victims’ Rights Week we want to highlight those at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office that help make a difference by supporting crime victims. Aisha Robertson from the Victim Services Division does just that.

As a Legal Support Assis...

County Attorney Response to Letter from ACLU Arizona

To read County Attorney Allister Adel's response to letter from ACLU please click below.

Click Here to Read the Full Letter

Read more...

The Importance of Victims’ Rights

The Victim Bill of Rights was a landmark amendment that opened the door for many to share their story in the courtroom after experiencing a crime. While many think that a victim is just the person the crime occurred to, it is much more encompassing.

As par...

Understanding Victims’ Rights

In our last article, we learned about the history of victim's rights and how they changed the way crime victims participate in the criminal justice system. Unlike the defendant's rights, few people know their rights as victims and lack a...

History of Victim’s Rights in Arizona

Every year millions of people fall victim to crime in the United States. While crime can vary, its impact affects not only the victim but also their family and community. In addition to the trauma of the actual crime, participating in the criminal justice...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April 2021 marks the 20^th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Although this commemoration has only been around twenty years, efforts to raise awareness of sexual assault date back to the civil rights era. The movement and consequential awarenes...

Maricopa County Attorney Comments to Arizona Legislature in Support of SB1064

Earlier today, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel testified before the Arizona House of Representatives Appropriations Committee in support of SB1064. The strike everything amendment (earned release; credits; prisoners) modifies the earned release cre...

Have You Checked Your Credit Report?

As we get settled into a new year it's easy to forget about what we spent money on or what services we signed up for. The start of the year is a whirlwind, and many take advantage of this time to highjack your identity and financial information for their ...

Looking to Work from Home? A Summer Job? Know What to Look for to Avoid a Scam

Almost a year after the COVID-19 pandemic completely uprooted our day-to-day life and economy, many Americans are still looking for work. In addition to those that are unemployed, high school and college students are now planning for the summer and figuri...

Spring Break Tips: Prevent Car Theft

A recent study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicated a 9.2 percent increase in auto thefts last year compared to 2019, with 873,080 cars being stolen, making 2020 the largest theft year in the past decade. Factors including the pandemic, rise i...

Spring Break Tips: Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Many are looking forward to getting away from the valley this upcoming spring break and getting some much-needed rest. The last thing you want is to worry about whether your home is safe by not taking the time to secure it before you leave.

Along with thos...

Maricopa County Attorney's Office 2020 Annual Report

It’s no understatement that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is busy. While many may focus on the work that takes place in the courtroom, our office is involved in so much more. With more than 900 employees spread out over 11 divisions and 8 geograph...

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in Law

Women's History Month encourages the study, awareness, and celebration of the vital role women have held and continue to hold in American history. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter helped bring national attention to this by declaring the week of Ma...

Report Graffiti in Your Community

In case you didn't know, February is Graffiti Awareness Month. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is joining forces with the City of Phoenix to help raise awareness and encourage residents to remove graffiti from their communities.

Unl...

Encourage Teens to Have Healthy Relationships

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have come to rely heavily on digital platforms to do our work, attend school, and socialize with others. Unfortunately, this shift has had a surprisingly ne...

Swipe Safe with These Online Dating Tips

Online dating has become one of the more popular pastimes for those looking to make a connection. The continued rise in dating apps and social networking sites is now the preferred way for millions of people to meet someone they would never have before. I...

Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet, Avoid Romance Scams

Nearly 60% of adults consider using online dating sites to meet people, and those over the age of 50 are some of the most active users. While dating sites can be full of potential suitors, they are also full of scammers ready to take advantage of those lo...

Statement from CA Adel on the Announcement of Her Charging Decision in the Death of Ryan Whitaker

“I continue to recover from my medical operation in November and am not able to conduct a formal press conference regarding this case.  However, I wanted to inform the community of my decision as I know many in the community and, certai...

Labor Trafficking amid COVID-19 Pandemic

According to the U.N. International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 25 million people worldwide are victims of trafficking, a trade estimated at $150 billion-a-year. While many think human trafficking is synonymous with sex trafficking, it also en...

Online Exploitation and Human Trafficking

When the COVID pandemic halted almost every aspect of our life last year, human trafficking became even more prevalent. The disruption in anti-trafficking resources and awareness gave traffickers an advantage during the many months the COVID pandemic was ...

Be Smart, Be Aware and Avoid Health Scams!

The start of the year is a great time to start working on new goals and create healthy habits. A common goal found in many new year's resolutions is to become healthier by exercising more, losing weight, eating better, or even quit smoking. While this is ...

Charging Decision in Case Against Phoenix Police Officer Steven Poulos

After a thorough review of the facts and evidence in this case, the County Attorney’s Office has determined that it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Poulos’ statements constituted a “true threat” ...

Stay Focused While Driving: Phone Down, Eyes Up

We have all experienced sitting at a green light, not moving due to the driver ahead who is distracted by their cell phone. Even more unsettling, driving on the freeway seeing the driver next to you looking down at their phone. More than 220 million peopl...

A Year in Review at MCAO

Anyone can attest that this year has been anything but ordinary, and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office is no exception. This year we've accomplished a lot and made significant changes not only to adapt to a pandemic but to improve ou...

Don’t Drag this Year into the Next: Avoid a DUI

It's not an understatement to say that we are all excited to celebrate the end of this year, but while celebrations are in order, it's important not to get carried away and make hasty decisions. While the holiday season is anticipated all year long, it is...

2020 Snapshot: Crime Across the Valley

This year the Maricopa County Attorney's Office launched the "Keeping Families Safe" campaign to help educate residents in our communities of ways they can prevent and prepare against crime. So far this year, we've covered scam...

Shop Safely Online this Holiday Season

As more and more companies transition to online platforms, online shopping is quickly taking over as the go-to method for acquiring goods. Shopping online allows you to compare prices at multiple stores and get the best deal much quicker without having to...

Make Safe Donations to Help Your Community This Holiday Season

During the Maricopa County Combined Charitable Campaign, MCAO employees joined other county departments and helped raise $188,517 to support 67 charitable organizations throughout the valley. The Combined Charitable Campaign supports organizations that he...

MCAO statements on behalf of the family and doctors of County Attorney Allister Adel

Statement from County Attorney Adel and her family:  We are grateful for the outpouring of support during this time and the privacy that has been afforded to our family. We appreciate the community’s continued patience as Allister recovers from s...

Help Prevent Substance Abuse: Dispose of Unused Prescription Medication

To help spread awareness of prescription drug abuse, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office wants parents and family members to learn how to get rid of unused medicine and encourage others to do the same. According to the CDC's National Center for Health S...

MCAO to Dismiss All Pending and Unfiled Charges of Possession of Marijuana

Phoenix, AZ – With the passage of Proposition 207, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) will be dismissing all pending and unfiled charges of possession of marijuana and any associated paraphernalia charges that are before this...

Remembering and Honoring Those Who Have Served

It's no secret that public service employees are dedicated to the work they do and the communities they serve. Public service is a higher calling for some, and our office boasts a workforce dedicated to achieving justice and keeping communities safe. A se...

Get Involved and Help Keep Your Neighborhood Safe

As we head into the holiday season, take time to reconnect with your neighborhood and identify ways to work together to help keep your families safe. Being a good neighbor not only makes life more comfortable and enjoyable but can also add an element of s...

Internet Use by Young People Can Turn Into Pathway to Sex Trafficking

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Provides Tips for Parents in Ensuring Online Security

PHOENIX (Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020) — The internet can be a great resource for children and young people — but it also can be a dangerous pl...

Letter to the Community: Home Detention Program-Offenders Accountable, Saves Money, Helps Families

By Allister AdelMaricopa County AttorneyRyan GreenDivision Chief, Training and Post-Conviction

At the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, we’re constantly looking for ways to serve our community better. It’s incumbent on us to ...

Make a Safety Plan to Get Out

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence at any point in their life. Domestic violence or intimate partner violence typically exhibits a pattern of behaviors used to gain power and control over a spouse, partner, girlfriend/boyfriend, or family member....

The Link Between Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

This October, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office wants to help raise awareness of domestic violence or intimate partner violence and the lasting effects it can have on our communities. When many think of domestic violence, they might picture conflict b...

Understanding the Violence Against Women Act

Less than 26 years ago, violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, was not perceived as crimes, and communities across the country lacked the resources or response plans needed to reduce this type o...

Alarming Increase in Domestic Violence-Related Homicides and Attempted Homicides

Phoenix, AZ – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Created more than 30 years ago, this four-week period focuses on three main goals; to celebrate those who have survived abuse, mourn those who have died because of domestic violence and...

Remind Teens to Think Before They Send

While this isn’t the way many of us expected the school year to start, for teens, it’s still an exciting time to see friends and socialize with their classmates even if it’s online. For many teens, socializing digitally is a ...

Body-Worn Camera Request

It is time for us to come together to make body-worn camera deployment a reality across Arizona. As County Attorney, this is my top priority and I am calling on the leadership at the Arizona State Legislature to take action this upcoming legislative sessi...

Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel Announces No Criminal Charges in the Death of Dion Johnson

Phoenix, AZ – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has announced that there is not evidence to support criminal charges against Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper George Cervantes in the death of Dion Johnson, which occ...

Online Bullying During COVID

Over the last few months, we have spent more time at home and even more time online. From work transitioning online to socializing with friends virtually, most of us have learned how to adapt our lives to social distancing standards. Unfortunately, bullie...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Rafael (aka Rafaela) Vasquez

Phoenix, AZ - On August 27, 2020, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged* Rafael (aka Rafaela) Vasquez, age 46, with one count of Negligent Homicide in the death of Elaine Herzberg on March 18, 2018.

“Distracted driving is an issue of great importa...

Report Animal Abuse to Law Enforcement

Getting more quality time with our pets has been one of the silver linings of this year. For many of us, our pets have provided a great deal of support and comfort from the stress of COVID-19. Sadly, not all pets have a safe or enjoyable experience at hom...

Teen Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide among young adults ages 15 to 24 has become the second-leading cause of death in the United States. Sadly, Arizona’s suicide rate for young adults is higher than the national average of 17.1 deaths per ...

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend Safely

Celebrated on the first Monday in September, Labor Day honors the contributions of everyday workers to the growth and achievements of the United States. Known for its long holiday weekend marking the end of summer, Labor Day is commonly associated with ba...

International Overdose Awareness Day

Drug overdoses occur every day in the United States, and with the right tools and information can be prevented. Unfortunately, across the country, drug overdose deaths increased in 2019, with Arizona experiencing a 17.4% increase. According to the CDC, th...

Statement from CA Adel regarding lawsuit against prior administration regarding public records

“A lawsuit was filed by the ACLU against the prior administration related to the release of public records by the County Attorney’s Office. One of my first priorities as county attorney was to address a backlog of public records reques...

County Attorney Allister Adel Leads Effort to Develop Home Detention Program for Maricopa County

For the first time in the history of Maricopa County, when someone is convicted of misdemeanor DUI, home detention will now be a sentencing option for a portion of the offender’s mandatory jail sentence. Home detention reduces and helps avoid co...

Felony vs. Misdemeanor What’s the Difference

Understanding the criminal justice system can be difficult. From complicated language to confusing processes and various key players, it’s not something that is easily understood or used daily. While many don’t plan to be involved with...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Michael Turney for 2nd Degree Murder in Death of Alissa Turney

On August 19, 2020, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged Michael Roy Turney, age 72, with one count of 2^nd Degree Murder, a Class 1 Felony, for the death of Alissa Turney.

Alissa Turney was 17 years old went she vanished. On that day she poked her head int...

County Attorney Convenes First Business Advisory Council Meeting

County business leaders met virtually today with Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel to discuss items of interest to the Maricopa County business community. This is the first meeting of Adel’s Business Advisory Council and attendees were prov...

County Attorney Announces Prosecution Policies and Plea Procedures

With 90% of criminal charges ending in plea agreements, Maricopa County Prosecutors now have new policies to guide how to handle these cases, and for the first time in the history of the county attorney’s office, the new plea policies are posted...

MCAO’s Community Affairs Team to Provide Educational Safety Presentations Online

The work done by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office goes beyond the courtroom and has a significant impact on people, families, and communities. As part of our effort to help prevent crime, our Community Affairs Team works with parents, teach...

County Attorney Hosts First Community Advisory Board Meeting

County Attorney Allister Adel hosted the first Community Advisory Board Meeting on August 13^th. The meeting was held virtually with members logging in via video to participate in the discussion.

Members of the advisory board were provided a presentation on...

Avoid Scams and Make Your Donation Count

In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people come together to support one another. It’s during these times when we are trying to help those most in need that we need to be alert and pay close attention to what we support. While some...

How a Criminal Case Moves Through the Justice System

The criminal justice system relies on an extensive process centered around rules, decision making, and facts. Throughout each step of this process, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, any decision that deprives a person of privacy, property, and liberty...

Application For Citizen Input to Review Officer Involved Shootings and In-Custody Deaths

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is seeking qualified candidates to serve as volunteer consultants on the agency’s Critical Incident Review Team. The effort to have non-MCAO employees serve on the Critical Incident Review Team wil...

Preventing Heatstroke Begins with Awareness

Last year 52 children died in a hot car in the United States; 3 of those deaths occurred in Maricopa County. In recognition of National Heatstroke Awareness Day this July 31, we want to remind everyone of simple changes that can be made not only as parent...

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams

To help understand and slow the spread of COVID-19, state health departments are "tracing" people who were in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Once identified, contact tracers can then advise those who may have been exposed...

County Attorney Announces Creation of Prosecution Integrity Program

Phoenix, AZ – Since taking office, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel has focused on making meaningful changes within the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) to ensure transparency and accountability.

Today, County Attorney Ade...

County Attorney's Office to Save Tax Payers $750,000 by Handling Uncontested Adoptions In-House

Though it is not common knowledge, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been connecting loving families with children in need for nearly 40 years.

Under Arizona law, the County Attorney is required to provide free legal representation in any...

What are the risks of livestreaming?

If you’re not already talking to your kids about their online use, now is an excellent time to start. During the last few months, not only has learning and school work shifted online to livestreaming platforms, but socializing with others has as...

Consider Your Personal Safety this Summer

While it’s safer to be at home during this pandemic, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone, and some may frequently find themselves in public areas. Even though the pandemic may be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s essential not to di...

New Dashboard Provides Transparency of Prosecutions in Maricopa County

Phoenix, Arizona – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has created and launched a new data dashboard on its website at MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/Data. The dashboard contains information about cases for calendar years 2017, 2018, and...

Avoid Distracted Driving and Get To Your Destination Safely

When we first learn how to drive, we exhibit caution in everything we do behind the wheel. As we get more comfortable, our actions might begin to get complacent. We might reach for something in the back seat or have some breakfast on our way to work. Litt...

Avoid Driving Drunk this Fourth of July

While many look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July, for some, it’s a painful reminder of a loved one they’ve lost due to drunk driving. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, more people die from a car crash involving a drunk driv...

Understanding Shannon’s Law this Fourth of July

In Arizona’s cities and towns, celebratory gunfire or discharging a weapon without an intended target into the air is against the law. Unfortunately, this practice continues to be fairly common, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July...

What is a Prosecutor?

Many people think the role of the prosecutor is only to secure a conviction. Not true.

The role of the prosecutor is to seek justice – even if that means asking the court to dismiss a specific charge or an entire case against a defendant when the...

County Attorney Announces Filing of Charges in Two Cases Involving On-Duty Law Enforcement Officers

Statement from County Attorney Allister Adel:“To ensure that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is best able to protect victim’s rights and hold criminals accountable in the pursuit of justice, it is important that this ag...

Record Numbers for New Felony Diversion Program Provides Alternative to Prosecution

Phoenix, Arizona – In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, more than 1,300 individuals facing criminal prosecution in Maricopa County have been referred to the county’s new Felony Diversion Program, allowing people to receive treatment i...

Vaping Warning Signs for Parents

Talking to teenagers about vaping may not be an easy thing to do, but it’s essential to have these discussions and take the opportunity to do so now while kids are at home. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that is especiall...

Help Prevent Opioid Abuse at Home

Opioid overdoses occur every month, in every age group and every county across Arizona, with Maricopa County having the highest number of verified opioid overdoses. Even though the number of overdoses has been on a steady decrease since March, according t...

How to Choose a Trustworthy Babysitter

As some of us slowly make the transition back to the office, and childcare options remain limited, getting a babysitter might be a good alternative. Choosing someone to watch over and take care of your kids while you’re not around is not somethi...

What does the County Attorney's Office Do?

The County Attorney’s Office plays a unique role in our criminal justice system. Our attorneys review and determines charging for all felonies in the county and misdemeanors in the unincorporated areas of the county. We also handle juvenile crim...

Keep Your Home Safe this Summer

While summertime is best spent enjoying the warm weather with family, sadly, it is also prime time for home burglaries to occur. In the United States, a home is burglarized every 13 seconds, with most thefts taking place during the day when people are not...

Keeping Kids and Pets Safe from Vehicular Heatstroke

Many Arizona residents are returning to work, and summer camps are opening up for all those restless kids. Daily life might not be entirely back to normal, but some routines are coming back into place. One thing that hasn’t changed is the need to be vigil...

Don’t Get Scammed While Paying for College

Paying off your student loans can be stressful, especially during a pandemic. To help out, the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law to provide some flexibility and temporary relief to those working to pa...

Teens and E-Cigarettes: What Are The Risks?

During these uncertain times, it might be easy to indulge in habits that can help reduce stress. While certain practices can improve our health, exercise our brain, or help us learn a new skill, vaping is not one of these. A relatively new product, e-ciga...

MCAO Finance Team Soldiers on During COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, much of Arizona has come to a grinding halt during the last two months while communities Stay Home, Stay Healthy and Stay Connected. Although the walkways between our office and the courts are mostly empty, critical procurement, d...

Honoring Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our Freedom

Today we remember and honor the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. These brave men and women answered the call and put their lives on the line to protect our country.

The freedom that we cherish today was hard-fought. As Americ...

May 25 is National Missing Children’s Day

Today in Maricopa County, there are more than 800 children who have very sadly been identified as missing. Some may be runaways, some victims of child sexual abuse, or child sex trafficking, and some may be victims of abduction. For parents, their childre...

How to Help Your Children Create Safe Habits

Every year thousands of children disappear from their homes and communities. According to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, there are 30,618 active missing person files for juveniles under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2019. While children g...

Build Your Future in Criminal Justice

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office would like to congratulate all the students who are graduating this month from college and high school. As you are celebrating this achievement, you’re also looking to the future and what type of c...

Don’t Graduate into a DUI

May is an exciting time of the year for many reasons. It brings along longer days, warmer weather, and signals the end of some high school or college careers. While years of hard work, long hours, and many essays should be celebrated, it’s essen...

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention

Violence does not discriminate, and it’s those who are at their most vulnerable in our communities that end up at risk. Approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner each year, and only...

MCAO’s New Building Boasts Officer-Friendly Resources

Beginning in January 2020, staff from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office moved into our new building at 225 W. Madison. The former Maricopa County jail was transformed into a six-floor, state-of-the-art facility for nearly 1,000 MCAO employee...

MCAO Crime Analyst Team: Working Together with Law Enforcement

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Crime Analysis and Research Unit (CARU) provides research and analytical support to law enforcement and prosecutors in a collaborative and proactive effort to reduce criminal activity impacting Maricopa Coun...

MCAO Investigations Division Assisting and Supporting the Pursuit of Justice

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office partners with law enforcement agencies in many ways, but did you know we have our own sworn staff of law enforcement officers? Under recent organizational changes, the Investigations Division now falls under...

Working Around the Clock to Serve the Community

Did you know the Public Safety Liaisons at the MCAO are on call 24/7/365 to respond to first responder critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings? These are live, developing scenes, often in the middle of the night, that threaten the safety ...

Honoring Fallen Heroes During National Police Week

This week we celebrate and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to help keep our communities safe. National Police Week pays tribute to those in law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of oth...

Honoring MCAO Moms

This weekend, we celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s a special day that has been put aside to honor those who have cared for us, nurtured us, and continue to support us. While it’s an annual tradition, this year holds extra meaning....

Stimulus Check Scams

As a way to stimulate the American economy, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun sending economic impact payments or stimulus checks to millions of U.S residents. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of information and confusion from many sources s...

Ensure your Privacy at Home While Teleworking

When we think about internet safety we think about actions taken online. But what about your workspace? Does it follow the same safety guidelines as your office space? Paying attention to your privacy at home can be just as important in keeping your work ...

Celebrate Safely at Home this Cinco de Mayo

A holiday that has grown in popularity across the United States, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in 1862 during the Battle of Puebla. The fifth of May is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture and many like to join...

Keeping Our Families Safe: Don’t Leave Kids and Pets Behind in a Parked Car

Temperatures have recently reached over 100 degrees and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office wants to remind you to never leave a child or pet in a parked car. In May, we launch our “Don’t Leave Me Behind” Vehicular Heatstroke campaign. You’ll hear publi...

It’s National Law Day

National Law Day is celebrated each year on May 1^st and this year the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office proudly recognizes our more than 350 prosecutors and civil attorneys who work to ensure community safety and justice are served, and that the...

Collaboration is Key

Trial Bureau West Chief Angela Andrews has been teleworking since late February and acknowledges that her day-to-day routine is constantly changing but she and her team are moving forward with great success. Angela participates in multiple email and video...

Supporting Victims of Sexual Assault Starts with Believing

Today, MCAO joins millions of people across the world supporting survivors and raising awareness of sexual violence. Denim Day is a campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April that raises awareness of victim blaming and destructive misconcepti...

Happy Records and Information Management Month!

National Records and Information Management Month is celebrated every April and was created to promote good record keeping practices, strong information management processes and to emphasize the importance of having organized records. Information helps ou...

Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel Releases Charging Data During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 27, 2020 – In recent weeks, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has executed a historic effort in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In addition to transitioning nearly 700 employees to a telework force, this office h...

Keep Children Safe and Stress-Free at Home

Few of us are used to spending so much time around children, much less weeks at a time during such a stressful situation. It’s important that while we are at home we continue to create and maintain healthy habits for our children. Review the fol...

Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Ensuring rights for victims of crime involves every element of our criminal justice system.

It involves victim advocates and prosecutors, but also the law enforcement officers who respond to a scene and the victims themselves. Each year, during National Cr...

Charging Ahead and Working Together

With many telecommuting during the COVID-19 Stay at Home order, our staff is keeping the wheels of justice rolling. Many of the employees at MCAO have adjusted to the changes seamlessly and have found some to be both surprising and rewarding. Today, we&am...

Celebrating Administrative Professionals at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office

Every day at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, a sizeable staff of administrative professionals including legal support assistants, clerks, receptionists, coordinators, evidence specialists, accounting and travel specialists, couriers, HR a...

Dedicated to Serving Victims of Crime: Shawn Cox

During Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we want to shine a light on one of our incredible employees who has dedicated her life to ensuring that crime victims—especially children—have a voice in the justice system.

Shawn Cox joined ...

MCAO Honors Those Who Fight for Victims’ Rights

MCAO Victim Advocates work every day to help those in our community who have been impacted by crime. One such example is Advocate Laura Lopez, who worked with the family of the victim in a heartbreaking murder case that involved 3 defendants, each tried s...

Fitness Goes Digital For MCAO Employees

Staying active is important—now more than ever. Regular exercise helps to lift your mood, improve your health and manage stress better.

Like so many governmental offices in Arizona, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced Maricopa County offices to only es...

We All Benefit When We Respond

Opportunities like these don’t come around often, to be more specific they only come around every ten years. Yes, we’re talking about the census, a once-in-a-decade count of everyone in the United States. While we continue to help prev...

Keeping the Wheels of Justice Rolling

The COVID-19 emergency means that many prosecutors and staff at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office are teleworking. Court appearances have been postponed or canceled and hearings are happening telephonically. Everyone is making temporary adju...

MCAO Employees Organize Donations to Domestic Violence Shelter in the Valley

Spending more time at home puts those in abusive relationships at risk, that’s where support from local domestic violence shelters can make a difference. While shelters receive funding from many sources, they still rely on donations for essentia...

Be a Smart Online User

While firewalls and hotspots are helpful, they can’t protect your data from all types of risks. As you continue to work from home pay attention to the actions you take online and how they could compromise your work. Be a smart user and implement...

Emily Craiger Brings Spirit of Service and Collaboration to MCAO Civil Division

The Midwest is known for people with a straightforward, open and no-nonsense style – and in the case of Emily Craiger, one of the incredible women who work for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO). Emily demonstrates her midwes...

Internet Safety for your Younger Coworkers

Adults aren’t the only ones susceptible to online threats. With schools closed many students are completing their coursework and spending a significant amount of time online, increasing their chances of seeing something that isn’t inte...

Don’t Let Your Guard Down: Tax Scams Are Still in Business

Arizona ranks #19 in the nation for identity theft, down from #10 just a couple of years ago. Better public education and personal awareness have been key, but we all must remain vigilant. The tax season upon us, and scammers are out in force. With the fi...

Staying Safe Online While Teleworking

To protect their own health and that of their coworkers, more and more employees are being asked to work from home. While working from home can be comfortable, it can create a number of cyber security issues for both employees and employers. As you adjust...

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

In Arizona, a rape is committed every two hours and 44 minutes impacting men, women and children in our community. This month we join with others across the nation to raise awareness about sexual assault and violence.

The Maricopa County Attorney&rsquo...

Meet Casey Mundell: MCAO Superhero for Animals

Nearly 70% of households in Maricopa County have pets and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control licenses nearly 400,000 dogs annually. Sadly, not all of these pets end up in loving homes and some are abused and mistreated. When that treatment rises to c...

Domestic Violence Awareness and Resources

As Maricopa County residents join the rest of the state following the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” order, it’s essential that we continue to support one another. For many, spending more time at home is an opportu...

COVID-19 Scam Awareness

While most people come together in times of need, some see it as an opportunity to take advantage of others. Scammers will go through great lengths to appear legitimate and trustworthy. It’s important that we pay attention to the warning signs a...

Supporting Victims’ Rights during COVID-19 Concerns

Amid many of the actions MCAO has taken in response to concerns of COVID-19, the work our Victims Services Division has done goes above and beyond. MCAO’s Victim Services Division is made up of highly trained, experienced professionals who offer...

Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel Takes Steps to Reduce Community Spread of COVID-19

PHOENIX, AZ - Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel has directed staff to find ways to reduce the number of individuals having to interact with our criminal justice system.

When charging cases, prosecutors are looking at the nature of the crime, the crimi...

Ensuring Justice During the COVID-19 Crisis

----- En Español -----

Written in stone across the front of the Maricopa County Superior Courthouse is the statement, “The first duty of society is justice.” And while thousands of people pass under these words every day, few...

Women's History Month - Behind the Scenes of COVID-19 Response

March is National Women’s History Month. This office planned a series of profiles featuring some of the amazing women of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, like Chief of Staff Candice Copple.

Candice is a key member of the County At...

COVID-19 and the Criminal Justice System

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is working closely with our partners in the criminal justice system to ensure the safety of this community. Employees with the MCAO who have the ability to from home and those who are in high-risk population...

Maricopa County Attorney's Office Responds to COVID-19

"As a governmental agency, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has a responsibility to our community to provide essential governmental services.  During times of crisis, the safety and security of this community is paramount and ...

Celebrating Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month and we are proud to recognize the amazing women who work at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Women’s History Month got its start as a small one-week celebration in 1978 in Santa Rosa, Cali...

Community Outreach Highlights

Last month, our Community Outreach team met with several groups and attended some great public events to share information and resources on a variety of topics.

Community Affairs Coordinator Vanessa Ceja spoke with families about child safety.

The...

Deputy County Attorney Jerry Fenton Celebrates 50 Years as an Attorney

For more than half a century, Jerry Fenton has been practicing law – doing defense work, in private practice and most recently as a prosecutor in MCAO’s Special Prosecution Division, Sex Crimes West Bureau. Jerry’s legal care...

Driving Drunk is Madness, Don’t Count on the Luck of the Irish to Give you a Break

March brings warmer temperatures to the Valley. It’s the beginning of Spring and families in Maricopa County are heading outside to enjoy the perfect weather. We’ve got March Madness, spring training baseball, Spring Break, and St. Pat...

Enjoy a Carefree Spring Break by Planning to Keep Yourself—and Your Home—Safe

Ah, the sweet smell of Spring ….. 

With the arrival of Spring, sun-kissed sand is calling and bright, beautiful beaches await your arrival. It’s that time of year when thousands of teens, college students, and families partake...

Maricopa County Opens New Detention & Court Facilities to Better Serve Local Criminal Justice System

This past month, Maricopa County added two new facilities to more efficiently serve the needs of offenders, their families and the community: A new central Intake, Transfer and Release (ITR) facility and a mental health court at Maryvale Behavioral Center...

MCAO Employees Raising Money to Feed Schoolkids in Need

The returns are in and MCAO employees raised $3,470 to support Arizona BrainFood during the Fall Casual Day Campaign. 

Arizona Brainfood is a non-profit organization that discreetly provides a backpack of food every Friday to feed hungry school ch...

MCAO Employees Volunteer to Help Homeless Veterans Resolve Court Cases

Earlier this year, MCAO employees participated in the 2020 Annual Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance. These employees volunteered their legal services to help homeless veterans with outstanding minor criminal matters pending in Maricopa County. More than...

YOU Count: Fill Out the Census Today

It’s time again for the U.S. Census! The Census is held every 10 years and gives lawmakers, government administrators, emergency planners and other organizations a snapshot of our population. This helps them make decisions such as how much we ne...

Alonzo Ferguson Sentenced to Natural Life for First Degree Murder

PHOENIX—Alonzo Ferguson (D.O.B. 05/01/1979) was sentenced to a term of Natural Life today for a First Degree murder, which occurred during a 2014 robbery attempt on an armored car. He received a sentence of 15 years in the Department of Correcti...

County Attorney Allister Adel Announces Decision in Tempe Officer Involved Shooting from 2019

Phoenix, Arizona – At a news conference earlier today, County Attorney Allister Adel announced that she will not be filing criminal charges in the shooting death of Antonio Arce on January 15, 2019 by Tempe Police Officer Joseph Jaen.

At the news...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Rachel Henry

Phoenix, Arizona – On January 27, 2020, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged Rachel Henry, age 22, with three counts of First Degree Murder, a Class 1 Felony, for the death of three minor children under the age of 15, on January 20, 2020.

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County Attorney Allister Adel Hosts Event To Raise Awareness Of Human Trafficking

Phoenix, Arizona – January is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. County Attorney Allister Adel will host a special event Friday, Jan. 24 at 10:30 am in front of county offices, located at 225 W. Madison.

The event is being...

Edward McCauley Sentenced to Death for the Brutal Murder of His Wife

PHOENIX— Edward Littleton McCauley (D.O.B. 11/18/1956) was sentenced by a jury to death for the 2014 murder of his estranged wife. He was convicted of First Degree Murder on November 5, 2019.

“This murder was a heinous and callous act,&...

Grand Jury Indictment Returned on Father John “Jack” Dallas Spaulding

Phoenix, Arizona – On January 8, 2020, a Maricopa County Grand Jury charged Father John “Jack” Dallas Spaulding, age 74, with six counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Class 2 Felony; and one count of Molestation of a C...

County Attorney Announces Sweeping Changes to Felony Diversion Program

Phoenix, Arizona – Beginning January 1, 2020, those participating in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Drug Diversion Program will no longer be required to pay a $630 case fee. Under Adel’s leadership, the Maricopa County Attorn...

County Attorney’s Office Wants Residents To Be Safe in 2020

Phoenix, Arizona – As we say farewell to 2019 and ring in a new decade, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) offers some simple New Year’s Resolutions to help residents be safe in 2020.

“Keeping families safe...

Alonzo Ferguson Convicted of First Degree Murder and Attempted Armed Robbery of an Armored Car

PHOENIX, AZ—Alonzo Ferguson (D.O.B. 05/01/1979) has been found guilty of one count each of First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery for his plan to rob a Garda armored vehicle. The incident led ...

Mayra Solis Sentenced to 17 Years for Her Role in the Horrific Abuse of Her 3-Year-Old Daughter

PHOENIX—Mayra Solis (D.O.B. 2/19/1993) has been sentenced to 17 years in the Department of Corrections for the role she played in the horrific abuse of her 3-year-old daughter who was rescued from a closet, found in a trash bag and covered in fi...

Duane Principale Sentenced to 20 Years for Manslaughter

PHOENIX—Duane Richard Principale (D.O.B. 10/20/1959) has been sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections for killing three people in a head-on collision that was a result of his intoxication. He plead guilty to three counts of Mansla...

Update On Petersen Investigation

Phoenix, Arizona – On Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted, pursuant to A.R.S. 11 – 664(B), to have the Maricopa County Attorney conduct an investigation as it relates to the duties of Maricopa County Assessor Paul Pete...

County Attorney Outlines Investigation Process

Phoenix, Arizona – On Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted, pursuant to A.R.S. 11 – 664(B), to have the Maricopa County Attorney conduct an investigation as it relates to the duties of Maricopa County Assessor Paul Pete...

Leonard Bacon, Jr. Sentenced to Life for Attempted Murder of a Corrections Officer

PHOENIX—Leonard Bacon, Jr. (D.O.B. 2/3/1968) has been sentenced to Life in the Department of Corrections for the 2018 attempted 1^st Degree Murder of a Corrections Officer. Bacon admitted to stabbing the officer with the intent to kill him.

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Luis Aldana Found Guilty of the Attempted Murder of a DPS Trooper

PHOENIX—Luis Aldana (D.O.B. 1/2/1988) has been convicted on several charges stemming from an incident during which he shot at an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper. Charges included Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault,...

MCAO Honors Our Veterans

PHOENIX— Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office salute those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our freedom.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude for the men and women ...

Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel Announces Transition Team

PHOENIX— Today, newly-appointed Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel announced members of her transition team. The group has been tasked by County Attorney Adel to develop high-level strategic priorities to guide her as she creates a meaningfu...

Dion Earl Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexually Assaulting Women He Hired as Babysitters

PHOENIX— Dion Earl (D.O.B. 03-13-1972) was sentenced today to 12 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty by a jury of Sexual Assault, Public Sexual Indecency and two counts each of Kidnapping and Assault.

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Wendy Lavarnia Sentenced to 10.5 Years for A Shooting that Killed Her Young Son

PHOENIX— Wendy Lavarnia (D.O.B. 06-30-1988) was sentenced today to 10.5 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Manslaughter and Attempted Child Abuse for the death of her 9-year-old son who was shot in the head while pla...

Jarre Edward Bjelic Sentenced to 4.5 Years for Threatening Young Girls to Get Nude Photos of Them

PHOENIX— Jarre Edward Bjelic (D.O.B. 09-12-1994) was sentenced today to 4.5 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to three counts of Theft by Extortion and one count of Attempted Fraud Schemes.

“Today&...

Jorge Acosta Sentenced to 40 Years for Breaking Into Home and Terrorizing Family

PHOENIX— Jorge Acosta (D.O.B. 03-17-1973) was recently sentenced to 40 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to 2^nd Degree Murder, Burglary and two counts of Aggravated Assault for breaking into his ex-girlfriend&...

Deandre James Sentenced to 354 Years for Child Prostitution

PHOENIX— Deandre James (D.O.B. 04-06-1976) was sentenced today to 354 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty on all 19 counts including; 14 counts of Child Prostitution, two counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor...

Appointment of New Supreme Court Justice, Chief Deputy Leads County Attorney’s Office

PHOENIX— This afternoon Governor Doug Ducey announced the appointment of Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery to the Arizona Supreme Court to replace Chief Justice Bales. The Governor noted his selection was a candidate who had an understand...

Dion Earl Found Guilty on All Charges

PHOENIX— Dion Earl (D.O.B. 03-13-1972) was found guilty by a jury of Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse, Assault, Public Sexual Indecency and two counts of Kidnapping for his actions involving two victims who he hired as babysitters.

“Today&a...

Luis Madrigal Sentenced to 20 Years For the Violent Murder of His Girlfriend

PHOENIX— Luis Alberto Madrigal (D.O.B. 10-01-1990) was sentenced today to 20 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to 2nd Degree Murder for killing his girlfriend, 27-year-old Monique-Antwane Gemino, who was also the mothe...

County Attorney Signs Agreement with Behavioral Health Agency to Provide Services for SMI Offenders

PHOENIX— County Attorney Bill Montgomery today signed a contract with Southwest Behavioral Health and Services to provide treatment for certain felony offenders designated as Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI), as a part of MCAO’s Felony Pre...

MS-13 Member Matthew Moreno Convicted for Violent Threats Against Police

PHOENIX— Matthew Moreno (D.O.B. 11-24-1984), a documented member of the notorious MS-13 street gang, was convicted today on both counts charged by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office—Threatening or Intimidating and Assistin...

Jose Orellana-Ruiz Sentenced to 27 Years For the Murder of His Infant Daughter

PHOENIX— Jose Orellana-Ruiz (D.O.B. 06-19-1989) was sentenced today to 27 years flat in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to 2nd Degree Murder for injuring and killing his three-month-old daughter.

“Adrianna Gutierrez ...

Brittany Zamora Sentenced to 20 Years For Sexual Conduct with Teenage Student

PHOENIX— Brittany Zamora (D.O.B. 01-05-1991) was sentenced today to 20 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Attempted Molestation of a Child and Public Sexual Indecency in connecti...

Michael Paul Adams Indicted on First Degree Murder Charge for Death of 17-Year-Old Victim

PHOENIX— Michael Paul Adams was indicted by Maricopa County Grand Jurors on July 10th on one count of First Degree Murder in the tragic death of a 17-year-old victim at a convenience store on July 4, 2019.

Prosecutors intend to prove that the def...

Prosecutors Charge Michael Paul Adams with First Degree Murder

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has filed a direct complaint charging Michael Paul Adams with First Degree Murder in connection to the murder of a 17-year-old victim on July 4, 2019. Prosecutors intend to prove that the ...

Former Priest Returned to Maricopa County to Face Charges 16 Years After Fleeing Country

PHOENIX— Joseph John Henn (D.O.B. 03/17/1949) appeared before a judge today for his arraignment hearing on multiple counts of child molestation, attempted child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor, and attempted sexual contact with a minor....

Caleb Bartels Sentenced to Natural Life For Killing a Mesa Teacher

PHOENIX— Caleb Bartels (D.O.B. 11-25-1989) was sentenced today to Natural Life plus 15 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty of 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault and Burglary.

“This case involved the sensel...

Robert Interval Sentenced to 25 Years for Killing Girlfriend Despite Remains Never Being Found

PHOENIX— Robert Interval (D.O.B. 07-20-1979) was sentenced today to 25 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty of Second Degree Murder for the death of his girlfriend 34-year-old Christine Mustafa.

“This defendan...

Marc Laquon Payne Sentenced to 35 Years For Driving Car Into Police Officers

PHOENIX— Marc Laquon Payne (D.O.B. 02-03-1972) was sentenced today to 35 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to three counts of Attempted 1st Degree Murder, four counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts each of Endangerm...

Kodi Bowe Sentenced For Murder of 21-Year-Old Taylorlyn Nelson

PHOENIX— Kodi Bowe (D.O.B. 08-07-1989) was sentenced today to 27 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to 2^nd Degree Murder for the death of 21-year-old Taylorlyn Nelson and an additional, charge of Aggravated Assault. Max...

Baseball Coach Richard Gallegos Sentenced to 25 Years for Sexual Conduct with Minor Victims

PHOENIX— Richard Gallegos (D.O.B. 08-29-1964) was sentenced today to 25 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to two counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor, one count of Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and one count ...

Testing Almost Complete Bringing End to Sexual Assault Kit Backlog

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been a leader in the movement of ending a previous backlog of untested sexual assault kits since 2015 and we are close to testing 100% of that backlog.

“This is the culminatio...

“Don’t Leave Me Behind” Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Campaign

PHOENIX— This summer the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with the Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to raise awareness in our community a...

Christopher Redondo Sentenced to Life for the Murder of Gilbert Police Lieutenant Eric Shuhandler

PHOENIX— Christopher Redondo (D.O.B. 07-24-1974) was sentenced to Life in the Department of Corrections for the 2010 murder of Gilbert Police Lieutenant Eric Shuhandler, which occurred during a traffic stop. Sentencing for additional charges inc...

MCAO Partners with Lyft & Banner Health to Prevent Impaired Driving During Cinco de Mayo

PHOENIX- Continuing the successful “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Lyft and Banner Health to offer Cinco de Mayo party-goers an incenti...

County Attorney Bill Montgomery Responds to Letter from YWCA Southern Arizona

On April 12, 2019, Mari Herreras of the YWCA Southern Arizona sent an open letter to Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery regarding discrimination within his Office.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery’s response letter (PDF)

Mari Herrera...

Data Shows MCAO Helps Reduce Prison Population and Increase Public Safety

PHOENIX— In light of recent coverage regarding proposed criminal justice legislation and characterizations of the use of prison in resolving cases from Maricopa County, this office looked to the objective case disposition data from the Administr...

Justin Allee Sentenced to 22 Years for Killing 44-Day Old Daughter

PHOENIX— Justin Allee (D.O.B. 07-09-1984) was sentenced today to 22 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty by a jury of child abuse for violently shaking his infant daughter causing significant brain injuries.

“...

Insufficient Evidence to Prosecute Cases Related to Children’s Shelter

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has completed a review of three cases submitted by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office involving the treatment of children at a Southwest Key shelter.

“The video eviden...

Joseph Eschief Sentenced to Seven Years for Making Threats Against Police on Social Media

PHOENIX— Joseph Eschief (D.O.B. 09-13-1981) was sentenced recently to seven years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to two counts of Threatening and Intimidating and one count of Participating in a Criminal Street Gang.

&...

Attorney Joseph Palmisano Sentenced to 5 Years for Shooting Former Client

PHOENIX— Joseph Palmisano (D.O.B. 10-13-1964) was sentenced today to five years in the Department of Corrections followed by five years of probation after pleading guilty to Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping.

“Today’s sentenci...

Dennis Pitman Sentenced to 96 Years for Sexually Abusing Several Young Girls Across 15 Years

PHOENIX— Dennis Pitman (D.O.B. 08-03-1947) was sentenced today to 96 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty by a jury of 17 counts of Molestation of a Child and five counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

“Today...

Michael Crane Sentenced to Natural Life Terms for Three Murders

PHOENIX— Michael Crane (D.O.B. 06-09-1980) was sentenced today to three consecutive Natural Life terms and several additional years in the Department of Corrections for multiple charges including three counts of 1^st Degree murder.

“Mich...

Travis Ricci Receives a Sentence of Life in Prison For Racially Motivated Murder of Woman

PHOENIX— Travis Ricci (D.O.B. 09-03-1981) has received the sentence of Natural Life in Prison for the murder of 39-year-old Kelly Ann Jaeger in 2009. A jury found Ricci guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated assault, attempt to commit first-d...

MCAO Partners with Lyft to Offer Safe Rides During St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

PHOENIX- Continuing the successful campaign “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Lyft to offer St. Patrick’s Day revelers an incentive not t...

Branden Tucker Sentenced Today for Multiple Burglaries Including First Responder Vehicles

PHOENIX— Branden Tucker (D.O.B. 06-29-1976) was sentenced today to more than six years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to four counts of Burglary and one count of Possession of a Dangerous Drug.

“This defendant sh...

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery Recognized as Innovative Leader at ASU Public Safety Awards

PHOENIX— During the recently concluded Winter Institute for Public Safety and Behavioral Health Conference hosted by Arizona State University at Skysong, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery was presented with the Innovative Leader Award. Th...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Provides Materials to FBI

PHOENIX— Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has sent materials to the Phoenix Office of the FBI in connection to the 2017 incident involving Glendale Police Officers and Mr. Wheatcroft.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery commented ...

Jesus Ceja Sentenced to Six Years for Aggravated DUI for Being a Wrong Way Driver

PHOENIX— Jesus Ceja (D.O.B. 10-24-1962) was sentenced today to six years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence. This is the first time a case was prosecuted under HB2243, the Arizo...

Jadyn Curtis Sentenced to Natural Life for Murder and Assault of 70-Year-Old Woman

PHOENIX— Jadyn Curtis (D.O.B. 06-03-1996) was sentenced today to natural life in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to 1st Degree Murder. Curtis also received a consecutive life sentence for Sexual Assault, and consecutive 21-ye...

MCAO Partners with Lyft and Banner Health to Prevent Impaired Driving This Holiday Season

PHOENIX- By the beginning of December, calendars are already filling up with holiday parties and New Year celebration plans. That is why the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, in partnership with Lyft and Banner Health, is promoting the &ldq...

Aaron Ott Sentenced to 27 Years for Murder of Teen Victim Over a Video Game System

PHOENIX— Aaron Ott (D.O.B. 01-07-1997) was sentenced today to 27 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Armed Robbery and 2^nd Degree Murder of 16-year-old Miguel Navarro who met the defendant to sell an Xbox.

“T...

Francisco Nieblas Rodriguez Sentenced to 33 Years for String of Armed Robberies

PHOENIX—Francisco Nieblas Rodriguez (D.O.B. 03-15-1988) was sentenced today to 33 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty of seven counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Attempted Armed Robbery, seven counts of Kidnapping...

Josef Dixon Sentenced to 190 Years for 14 Counts of Child Prostitution

PHOENIX—Josef Dixon (D.O.B. 04-01-1990) was sentenced today to 190 years in the Department of Corrections after being found guilty of 14 counts of child prostitution and one count of drug possession.

“Today's sentencing should serve as ...

Jason Lindsey Found Guilty of Murder for Drive By Shooting Killing a Teen Girl

PHOENIX— Jason Lindsey (D.O.B. 1-20-1997) was found guilty today by a jury on the charges of 1^st Degree Murder, Drive By Shooting and three counts of Aggravated Assault all related to him firing a gun from the passenger side window at another ca...

Gabriel Tovar Sentenced to 12 Years for String of Purse Thefts Targeting Elderly Victims

PHOENIX— Gabriel Tovar (D.O.B. 06-11-1972) was sentenced today to 12 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices. The defendant was responsible for eight different burglaries wher...

Christopher Rivera Sentenced for Social Media Post Threatening Students

PHOENIX— Christopher Rivera (D.O.B. 09-27-1999) was sentenced today to two years of probation after pleading guilty to one felony count of Interfering with or Disruption of an Educational Institution. This is in connection to a threatening socia...

Bryant Ozorio Escapes while Jury Convicts on 10 Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

PHOENIX— Bryant Ozorio (D.O.B. 12-20-1987) was found guilty in absentia by a jury for 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, a Dangerous Crime Against Children on October 23, 2018. Ozorio was facing a minimum sentence of 100 years in the D...

Francisco Covarrubias Sentenced to 35 Years for Horrific Abuse of 3-year-old girl

PHOENIX— Francisco Covarrubias (D.O.B. 08-12-1985) was sentenced today to 35 years in the Department of Corrections and lifetime probation upon release, after pleading guilty to three counts of attempted child abuse and two counts of kidnapping....

Kimery Jorg Sentenced to 20 Years for Severely Abusing Daughters

Kimery Jorg (D.O.B. 05-16-1960) was sentenced today to 20 years in the Department of Corrections with lifetime probation upon release after pleading guilty to four counts of child abuse involving her adopted daughters the day before her trial was set to b...

Lashawn Johnson Sentenced For 1st Degree Murder of Woman He Met on Dating Site

PHOENIX— Today Lashawn Johnson (D.O.B. 06/05/1990) was sentenced to Natural Life for 1st Degree Premeditated Murder, Theft of Means of Transportation, Arson, and Abandonment or Concealment of a Dead Body.

“Lashawn Johnson’s ef...

Eric Craig Sentenced for Money Laundering and Pandering All Connected to Prostitution

PHOENIX— Eric Craig (D.O.B. 10-04-1969) pled guilty to one count of Pandering and two counts of Money Laundering and was sentenced to 7.5 years in the Department of Corrections with five years of probation following his release. The case against...

MCAO's Special Victims Division Chief Selected by Senate Judiciary Committee

PHOENIX— Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Division Chief for the Special Victims Division, Rachel Mitchell has been selected to assist in the Judge Kavanaugh confirmation hearing. Division Chief Mitchell’s area of responsibi...

Maricopa County Attorney Offers Perspective on New Crime Report

PHOENIX—  The FBI’s 2017 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) for Arizona was released today and reflects an overall 1.4% drop in crime in the state. While crime is down overall in Arizona for the sixth year in a row, the new report ind...

Top Prosecutors from Across Nation Join in Support of Rebuttal on Recent USA Today Opinion Article

PHOENIX— Joining in support for a response to a recent opinion column posted in the USA Today by contributor Glenn Harlan Reynolds (https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/08/07/reforming-criminal-justice-ending-plea-deals-fewer-laws-column/...

Christopher Brown Sentenced to 14 Years for Sex Trafficking

PHOENIX— Christopher Brown (D.O.B. 08-24-1976) was sentenced today to 14 years in the Department of Corrections for Sex Trafficking, Receiving Earnings of a Prostitute, Pandering, and Assault. Brown was arrested as a part of a January 2018 operation by th...

Community Based Prosecution Partnerships Lead to Arrest and Charging of Burglary Suspect

PHOENIX— Recently, Albert De La Torre (D.O.B. 01/26/1978) was charged with four counts of 3^rd Degree Burglary and one count of Attempted 3^rd Degree Burglary in connection with a series of ATM burglaries across the West Valley. 

&ldqu...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Releases Decision on Mesa Police Use of Force Incident

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has completed a review of a use of force incident involving Mesa Police Department Officers Glover and Santiago and an armed robbery suspect that occurred on May 16, 2018. The incident was...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Corrects Published Inaccuracy

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is informing the community about a recent article put out by the Associated Press office in Phoenix in reference to the recent ruling on prosecutorial immunity preventing depositions in a ...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Reminds Community about “Don’t Leave Me Behind”

PHOENIX— There is only one month left in this year’s “Don’t Leave Me Behind” vehicular heatstroke awareness campaign, but the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is asking for renewed commitment in...

County Attorney and Islamic Community Center Respond to Reports on Mosque Burglary Case

PHOENIX— In light of recent media coverage, initiated by a spurious article from the Southern Poverty Law Center, on the case of Tahnee Gonzalez and Elizabeth Dauenhauer, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and Tempe Islamic Community Cente...

County Attorney Statement on Mosque Burglary Case

“To assert that this case is being handled in an unusual or unprofessional manner is irresponsible, at best.

I was involved in the case of the juveniles who vandalized a menorah, and facilitated their restitution and apology to the victims. I was...

County Attorney Statement on Ballot Harvesting

PHOENIX—Due to recent litigation in federal court on the issue of ballot harvesting—and with primary and general elections upcoming—Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement on the state&rsqu...

Kevin Hevel Sentenced to 16 Years for 2nd Degree Murder

PHOENIX—Kevin Richard Hevel (D.O.B. 10/22/1986) was sentenced to 16 years in the Department of Corrections for 2^nd Degree Murder in connection with a fatal DUI crash.

“There is absolutely no excuse for someone to drive impaired and risk...

Stanley Chu Sentenced to 15.5 Years for Deadly DUI Crash

PHOENIX—Stanley Ray Chu (D.O.B. 05/11/1985) was sentenced to 15.5 years in the Department of Corrections for Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault and Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident in connection to a DUI crash.

“Today’s sen...

Three Adults Sentenced in Case Involving False Claims of Missing One-Year-Old

PHOENIX— Today Madeline Jones (D.O.B. 11/18/1997) was sentenced to three years of supervised probation for Custodial Interference. Her parents, Cassandra Jones and Roland Jones were also sentenced to three years of supervised probation for Consp...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Remembers Achievements of First Victim Support Dog

PHOENIX— The MCAO family is remembering the important work of the Office’s first victim support dog, Sam, in light of his passing last week. Sam officially retired from the Office in July of 2016 and has been enjoying his retirement an...

Marlow Chiquito Sentenced for 2nd Degree Murder and Kidnapping in the Death of His Mother

PHOENIX— Today Marlow Chiquito (D.O.B. 11/26/1985) was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for 25 years flat for 2nd Degree Murder and 10.5 years for kidnapping in connection to the murder of Maggie Chiquito.

“Today’s sentencing is the result of the...

Holly Davis Sentenced to 25 Years for Senseless Murder of University Student Yue Jiang

PHOENIX—Holly Davis (D.O.B. 10/20/1983) was sentenced to a mandatory 25 years in the Department of Corrections for 2nd Degree Murder in the death of 19-year-old Yue Jiang.

“This sentence is the maximum penalty for 2nd Degree Murder and ...

Dwandarrius Robinson Sentenced to Death for Murder of Preg. Girlfriend & Setting Fire to Appartment

PHOENIX— Dwandarrius Robinson (D.O.B. 12/20/1990) was sentenced to Death after being found guilty by a jury of two counts of 1st Degree Murder and one count of Arson of an Occupied Structure and one count of Kidnapping in connection to the 2012 ...

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery Letter to Local Leadership, Release of Evidence Concerns

On May 8, 2018 Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery sent out a letter to City , Town and Law Enforcement Leadership addressing concerns related to the release of evidence. You can read the letter here: https://www.maricopacountyattorney.org/DocumentCe...

Charles Lott III Sentenced to 20 years for 2nd Degree Murder of a Victim Parked Outside a Home

PHOENIX— Today Charles Lewis Lott III (D.O.B. 11/15/1996) was sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections for 2^nd Degree Murder in connection to the murder of Allen Price Jr.

“Today’s sentence underscores that the u...

“Don’t Leave Me Behind” Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Campaign

PHOENIX— This year, the “Don’t Leave Me Behind” vehicular heatstroke awareness campaign is kicking off with new partners to help spread this important safety message. Working together with the Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Pengui...

MCAO Partners with Lyft to Offer Safe Rides For Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

PHOENIX- Continuing the successful “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Lyft to offer Cinco de Mayo party goers an incentive to not drink an...

MCAO Selected for Prosecutor-Led Diversion Program by U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance

PHOENIX- Following on the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office creation of a new Diversion Program Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has announced its selection of MCAO to participate in its Prosecutor-Led Diversion Initiative. This initiat...

Alvin Smith Sentenced to 191 Years for Sex Trafficking and Child Prostitution

PHOENIX—Alvin Rex Smith (D.O.B. 07/26/1985) was sentenced to 191 years in the Department of Corrections for three counts of Sex Trafficking, nine counts of Child Prostitution, four counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Using ...

MCAO Creates New Bureau Focused on Offering Help to Defendants and Reducing Recidivism

PHOENIX- On April 9, 2018 the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office implemented a newly created Diversion Programs Bureau that will be tasked with administering and monitoring diversion programs as part of the Office’s focus on prosecution...

Community Put on Notice-Two Recent Cases Involve Fentanyl Pills Marked As OxyCodone

PHOENIX— At the end of February and again at the end of March, multiple defendants were charged in incidents involving the sale of fake Oxycodone pills containing deadly amounts of Fentanyl.

“If law enforcement had not been vigilant in ...

Leroy Orbeck Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking and Deadly Assault on Victim’s Unborn Child

PHOENIX— Today Leroy Christopher Orbeck (D.O.B. 06/21/1995) was sentenced to 25 years in the Department of Corrections for Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder, Sex Trafficking, Child Prostitution, Attempted Sexual Assault, and Aggravated Assault.

&ld...

Jeffrey Mathis Sentenced to Life in Prison for Deadly Drive By Shooting

PHOENIX—  Jeffrey Mathis (D.O.B. 10/04/1985) was sentenced to Life in Prison with the possibility of release after 25 years for 1^st Degree Murder and 15 years for Attempted 1^st Degree Murder. He was also sentenced to 15 years for Drive ...

MCAO Partners with Lyft to Offer Safe Rides During St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

PHOENIX- Continuing the successful campaign “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Lyft to offer St. Patrick’s Day revelers an incentive not t...

Javier Romero Found Guilty of Murdering Co-Worker

PHOENIX— On March 6, 2018 Javier Romero (D.O.B. 12/21/1990) was found guilty by a jury of 2nd Degree Murder in connection to the 2013 stabbing death of 26-year-old Miguel “Mike” Hernandez and one count of aggravated assault o...

Jesus Busso-Estopellan Found Guilty of Murdering Two Teens, Awaits Jury Decision on Death Penalty

PHOENIX— On February 14, 2018 Jesus Busso-Estopellan (D.O.B. 12/24/1989) was found guilty by a jury of two counts of 1^st Degree Murder and one count of Misconduct Involving Weapons in connection to the 2011 shooting of 18-year-old Tyler Webster ...

Judith Walthers Sentenced to Life in Prison for Violent Murder of a Man for His Truck

PHOENIX— Today Judith Walthers (D.O.B. 05/26/1993) was sentenced to Life in Prison for First Degree Murder, in addition to four years for Theft of Means of Transportation and two years for Second Degree Escape all connected to the death of 54-ye...

Jose Figueroa Sentenced to 25 Years for Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend

PHOENIX— Today Jose Ubaldo Rubio Figueroa (D.O.B. 06/07/1964) was sentenced to 25 years in the Department of Corrections for Second Degree Murder for the death of 48-year-old Maria Rivera.

“While nothing can change the grief felt by the...

Decarlos Jones Sentenced to 90 Days for Beheading of Pet Dog

PHOENIX— Today Decarlos Jones (D.O.B. 08/07/1988) was sentenced to a 90 day jail sentence followed by three years of supervised probation with domestic violence and animal cruelty terms for the torture and decapitation of his and his girlfriend&...

Adrian Harvey Sentenced to 20 Years for Murder of a Woman in 2001

PHOENIX— Today Adrian Harvey (D.O.B. 03/10/1971) was sentenced to 20 years for the Second Degree Murder Conviction of 32-year-old Dawn Subia.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates our Office’s resolve to hold the defendan...

Man Indicted for String of Sexual Assaults, 2005 Sex Assault Kit Helps Identify Suspect

PHOENIX— A Maricopa County Grand Jury has delivered an indictment charging Michael Paladino (D.O.B. 04/07/1989) with six counts of Sexual Assault related to cases from 2003 through 2006.

“We now have the necessary investigative findings...

Juan Zermeno Sentenced to Natural Life for Brutal Murder of Employer

PHOENIX— Today Juan Zermeno (D.O.B. 06/21/1975) was sentenced to Natural Life for First Degree Murder, with an additional 14 years in the Department of Corrections for Burglary and Trafficking Stolen Property.

“Nothing can change the su...

James Koryor Found Guilty of Killing Son After Leaving Him Inside a Hot Car

PHOENIX— Today James Koryor (D.O.B. 02/10/1974) was found guilty of negligent homicide and child abuse in connection to the death of his 2-year-old son.

“This case involves the senseless death of a young innocent victim, whose life was cut short by the car...

Former Mesa Police Officer Philip Mitchell Brailsford Found Not Guilty in Murder Trial

PHOENIX— Philip Mitchell Brailsford was found not guilty of Second Degree Murder, nor a lesser charge, in relation to the fatal shooting of a suspect during a January 2016 incident at a Mesa hotel.

“This case did not and does not repres...

MCAO Partners with Lyft to Make It Easier to Celebrate and Not Drive This Holiday Season

PHOENIX- Calendars are already filling up with holiday parties and New Year celebration plans, that is why this year the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is kicking off its “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign earlier ...

John Allen Receives Death Penalty for Murder of 10-year-old Family Member

PHOENIX—John Allen (D.O.B. 07/19/1988) has received the sentence of death for the murder of his family member, 10-year-old Ame Deal. He was found guilty of 1^st degree murder, three counts of child abuse and conspiracy to commit child abuse earli...

Montgomery Invited to Represent Criminal Justice in Arizona at 50-State Summit on Public Safety

PHOENIX— Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is in Washington D.C. for the 50-State Summit on Public Safety. The first of its kind summit is an invite-only gathering of lawmakers, corrections administrators, law enforcement officials, and b...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Awarded More than $1.1 Million to Continue Rape Kit Testing

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) through its Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grant Program for their ongoing in...

Raymond Hanley Sentenced to Life in Prison, DNA Helps Detectives Solve 24-Year-Old Cold Case Murder

PHOENIX— Today Raymond Hanley (D.O.B. 1/27/1953) received a Life Sentence plus 10.5 years, for 1^st Degree Murder and Arson in connection to the death of 40-year-old Debra Kay Shipton who was found brutally bound and killed inside her Mesa apartm...

New FBI Crime Report Shows Both Rise and Fall in Arizona Crime Rates

PHOENIX— Today the FBI released its 2016 Uniform Crime Report data for Arizona. The report basically reflects the same overall crime rate as last year, given the overall drop in property crime offsetting the increase in each Part I violent offen...

Larry Lee Robinson Sentenced to 21 Years for Murder

DNA Helps Detectives Solve 35-Year-Old Cold Case 

PHOENIX— Today Larry Lee Robinson (D.O.B. 10/10/1959) was sentenced to 21 years in the Department of Corrections, for 2^nd Degree Murder in connection to the death of 83-year-old Sally Bryant who wa...

Phoeteama Neal Sentenced to Natural Life for the Murder of Her Child

PHOENIX— Today Phoeteama Neal (D.O.B. 02/10/1986) was sentenced to Natural Life for 1^st Degree Murder. Neal pled guilty on January 17^th to the murder involving the intentional drowning of her 20-month old daughter Victoria.

“Today&r...

County Attorney Seeks Supreme Court Decision on Wiretapping After 9th Circuit Court Denies Motion

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement in response to the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denial of the Office’s Motion for Reconsideration in a civil lawsuit filed by Manuela Villa involving wiretapping pra...

Former Teacher Brian Woolsey Sentenced to 12 Years For Sexual Conduct with Teen Student

PHOENIX— Today Brian Woolsey (D.O.B. 06/07/1970) was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by lifetime supervised probation with sex offender conditions for four counts of sexual conduct with a minor, which occurred wh...

Victims Closer to Justice in State v. Martinson

PHOENIX—The Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling has upheld the Court of Appeals opinion in State v. Martinson, the case of a father accused of killing his five-year-old son in 2004, allowing the County Attorney’s Office to resume ...

Andrew Ward Pleads Guilty to Murder of 12-Year-Old Half-Brother & Murder of Jail Cellmate

PHOENIX— Last week Andrew Ward (D.O.B. 01/19/1987) plead guilty to two counts of 1st Degree Murder in two separate cases, one involving the death of his 12-year-old half-brother and Douglas Walker, his 33-year-old jail cellmate. Documentation su...

Tiffany Fajardo Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation in Death of a Victim Family’s Pets

PHOENIX— On August 25^th Tiffany Fajardo (D.O.B. 04/02/1997) was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years of probation for Cruelty to Animals. The defendant was paid to care for a family’s six pets, but did not feed or care for the ...

Statement from County Attorney on 8/22 Events

“Coverage of the actions of the different groups engaged in the  activities last night in our Downtown area make clear that the Phoenix  Police Department exercised appropriate restraint and resolve in  controlling a d...

Teens Plead Guilty to Criminal Damage for Contorting Menorah in a Family’s Yard into Swastika

PHOENIX— This week three teens involved in damaging a large ornamental menorah displayed outside a home in Chandler during Hanukah in 2016 pled guilty to criminal damage. The plea given to the teens was reached in agreement with the victims and ...

Sammantha Allen Receives Death Penalty for Murder of 10-year-old Cousin

PHOENIX—Sammantha Allen (D.O.B. 06/14/1988) has received the sentence of death for the murder of her cousin 10-year-old Ame Deal. 

“I want to thank the members of the jury for their time and effort on this case and reaching a d...

County Attorney Declines Felony Prosecution in Connection with Hiking Death of 12-Year-Old Boy

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has completed a review of a case submitted by the Phoenix Police Department involving the hiking death of a 12-year old Cody Flom back on July 22, 2016 and shared the analysis of the case ...

County Attorney Declines Felony Prosecution of Man Suspected of Making Bomb Threat at the Airport

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has completed a review of a case submitted by the Phoenix Police Department that led to the evacuation of the Sky Harbor Airport earlier this month.

“After thoroughly reviewing th...

Jose Palacios-Ronquill Sentenced to 30 Years After DNA Matches Him to Serial Rape Case

PHOENIX— Today Jose Palacios-Ronquill (D.O.B. 05/19/1979) was sentenced to 30 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for three counts of sexual assault,  followed by lifetime supervised probation with sex offender conditions for...

Donald Linville Sentenced to 121 Years for Secretly Recording Sexual Encounters with Women

PHOENIX— Today Donald Linville (D.O.B. 08/07/1989) was sentenced to 121.25 years in the Department of Corrections for two counts of surreptitious videotaping, one count of sexual conduct with a minor and 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a min...

Alan Champagne Found Guilty of Murdering Two People then Concealing Their Bodies in a Backyard

PHOENIX—Alan Champagne (D.O.B. 09/07/1970) was found guilty of first degree murder, second degree murder, kidnapping and two counts of abandonment/concealment of a body in connection with the deaths of 32-year-old Philmon Tapaha and 26-year-old Brandi Hof...

Allen Johnson Sentenced to Five Years for Sexual Relationship with a Teenage Student

PHOENIX—Allen Scott Johnson (D.O.B. 04/05/1963) was sentenced today to five years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, followed by lifetime supervised probation with sex offender conditions for three counts of attempted sexual conduct with ...

Dillon Archuleta Sentenced to 13 Years for Deadly Shooting at a Party

PHOENIX— Today Dillon Archuleta (D.O.B. 01/11/1995) was sentenced to 13 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for second degree murder.

“Today’s sentencing holds this defendant accountable for his actions and the young life he cut short, however n...

“Don’t Leave Me Behind!” Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Campaign Goes All Digital

PHOENIX— Starting on June 1^st the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is transitioning the “Don’t Leave Me Behind!” vehicular heatstroke awareness campaign to an all-digital format, targeting residents with ...

Arrest Made in 2014 Cold Case Murders of Woman and Unborn Child

PHOENIX— 28-year-old Andres Reyes was arrested this week in connection with the 2014 death of 22-year-old Bridget Charlebois and their full term unborn child.

Charlebois, Reyes’ fiancée, was confined to a wheelchair after sus...

Dalton Philbrick Sentenced to 12 Years for String of Northwest Valley Home Burglaries

PHOENIX—On May 10^th Dalton Philbrick (D.O.B. 09/27/1992) was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections for Burglary, Theft, and Trafficking in Stolen Property.

Starting in January 2015 and continuing until his arrest on January 22, 2...

MCAO Public Safety Programs Win Two National Achievement Awards

PHOENIX—The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has received two Criminal Justice and Public Safety awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative Restitution Specialist and Sex Assault Backlog programs...

“Don’t Leave Me Behind!” Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Campaign

PHOENIX— As part of the four-month long “Don’t Leave Me Behind!” vehicular heatstroke awareness campaign which starts on May 1^st , the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is challenging citizens to keep the ...

MCAO Partners with Lyft to Offer Safe Rides During Cinco de Mayo Festivities

PHOENIX- Continuing the successful “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Lyft to offer Cinco de Mayo party goers an incentive not to drink an...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Unveils New Website

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has launched a newly re-designed website, maricopacountyattorney.org.

The new website was created with the County’s web designer, Civic Plus. The redesign offers a more user-friendly experience for those looki...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Moves to Electronic Files

PHOENIX— On March 31^st the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office became the largest prosecutor’s office in the country to transition their criminal functions from paper files to digital. This move to a digital file system will lower the cost associated with p...

Three High School Students Charged in Hazing Related Incident

PHOENIX— On March 30^th the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against three teenagers for incidents based on a Chandler Police investigation of hazing at a local high school.

One 17-year-old is being charged as an adult with Sex Assau...

County Attorney's 2018 Budget Shows Fiscal Responsibility and Ensures Criminal Justice Remains

PHOENIX— On March 29^th Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Denny Barney and Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery signed the 2018 budget for the County Attorney’s Office. The budget offers fiscal responsibility in the next...

Arizona Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Recognition & Awards Ceremony

PHOENIX— Arizona will mark the 35^th annual observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with a recognition and awards presentation event April 4^th at El Zaribah Shrine Auditorium in Phoenix. State leaders and representatives from ...

MCAO Citizen Safety Forum Provides Free Crime Prevention Seminars for Valley Residents

PHOENIX— Maricopa County residents can get information on how to prevent crime in their neighborhoods, improve their own personal safety, and how criminal activity trends may impact them at the 2017 County Attorney’s Citizen Safety For...

Joshua Hicks Sentenced for Causing Multiple Crashes While Trying to Escape Arrest for Selling Drugs

PHOENIX— Today Joshua Hicks (D.O.B. 10/18/1984) was sentenced to 18.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, followed by four years of supervised probation upon release, for 2 counts of Aggravated Assault, 1 count of Leaving the Scene o...

MCAO Partners with Lyft to Offer Safe Rides During St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

PHOENIX- Continuing the successful campaign “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Lyft to offer St. Patrick’s Day revelers an incentive not t...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Sponsor’s Freedom from Violence Walk

PHOENIX— On Saturday March 4^th the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will be supporting the efforts of the Damion Gosa Memorial Foundation in their 3^rd Annual Freedom from Violence Walk.

The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. at South Pointe Eleme...

Christopher Wright Pleads Guilty to 1st Degree Murder in Deaths of His Wife and Man Who Offered Aide

PHOENIX— One February 23^rd Christopher Wright (D.O.B. 08/29/1977) plead guilty to two counts of 1^st Degree Murder for shooting and killing his wife, Nasbah Laverne Wriqht and a good Samaritan who stopped to help, Tomas Ornelas.

“This pl...

Gary Moran Pled Guilty to 1^st Degree Murder of Valley Priest

PHOENIX— Today Gary Moran (D.O.B. 08/12/1959) pled guilty to 1^st Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault and Burglary in the death of a priest and severe attack of another priest at a Phoenix mission during a burglary.

“The defendant took the...

Alan Faygenblat Sentenced for False Voter Registration

PHOENIX— Alan Faygenblat (D.O.B. 10/31/1978) was sentenced on February 14, 2017 to 12 months unsupervised probation and 160 hours of community restitution, for False Voter Registration, a class 1 misdemeanor.

In September of 2016, Faygenblat electronically...

County Attorney’s Office Releases Statement on Recent Change to ICE Detainers at MCSO

PHOENIX— As previously announced, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will no longer detain County jail inmates facing a civil immigration detainer beyond the period of time for detention authorized under Arizona State law. This concl...

Alonzo Vargas Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation for “Scary Clown” Threats Toward a School

PHOENIX— Alonzo Vargas (D.O.B. 09/24/1998) was sentenced today to three years of supervised probation and 40 hours of community service for one count of interfering with an educational intuition, a Class 6 Felony.

In October of 2016 Vargas posted...

Expect Super Bowl DUI Enforcement & Prosecutions Don’t Expect to Use Chip Bag as Excuse or Defense

PHOENIX— This weekend many will gather together to enjoy watching the big game and all the festivities that surround the Super Bowl, including food and alcohol. Recently, advocates for responsible drinking partnered with a tortilla chip company ...

Aaron Dutra Convicted in Armed Robbery of Teen at Fast Food Restaurant

PHOENIX— Yesterday a jury found Aaron Dutra (D.O.B. 08/23/1968) guilty of Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Kidnapping for the robbery of a 16-year-old cashier at a restaurant in 2016.

“This defendant has eight prior felony convict...

The MCAO Marks the Passing of Retired Arizona Supreme Court Justice Mike Ryan

PHOENIX, AZ (January 31, 2012) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office today mourns the untimely loss of retired State Supreme Court Justice and former colleague Mike Ryan, who dedicated more than three decades of exemplary public serv...

Jawon Smith Sentenced to 102 Years for Child Prostitution and Sex Trafficking

PHOENIX— Today Jawon Smith (D.O.B. 11/27/1989) was sentenced to 102 years in the Department of Corrections for one count of Sex Trafficking, four counts of Child Prostitution and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

“This defendant preyed o...

Jeffery Streeter Sentenced to 3 Years for Recording Women in Tanning Salon

PHOENIX— On December 15, 2016 former police officer Jeffery Streeter (D.O.B. 10/07/1970) pled guilty to a total of six counts of voyeurism, each a Class 5 Felony. He was sentenced today to three years in the Department of Corrections, with a ter...

Tilfert Vaughn Sentenced to 56 Years for Breaking into Home & Sexually Assaulting Victim

PHOENIX—Tilfert Vaughn (D.O.B. 12/01/1960) will serve in a total of 56 years in the Department of Corrections, after being sentenced for six counts of burglary, aggravated assault, sexual assault and kidnapping.

“This case illustrates t...

Rebekah Mellon Pled to 2nd Degree Murder for Shooting her Husband in 2012

PHOENIX— Rebekah Mellon (D.O.B. 09/09/1980) pled guilty to 2^nd Degree Murder for the shooting death of her husband Donald Mellon at their home in 2012. She will not be eligible for early release and faces a sentencing range of 18-22 years in the...

County Attorney Montgomery to Be Sworn into Third Term by Newly Appointed AZ Supreme Court Judge

PHOENIX- On Wednesday January 4^th , Bill Montgomery will return as one of the longest serving elected county officials, starting his third term as County Attorney. He will be sworn in by newly appointed Arizona Supreme Court Judge Andrew Gould at a County...

Jury Clears County of Wrong Doing in Civil Suit Connected to 2007 Homicide Case

PHOENIX- A jury returned a verdict recently in favor of Maricopa County in Lisa Randall v. Maricopa County, a lawsuit involving the Office of the Medical Examiner. In 2007, an investigation into the death of a four-month-old infant resulted in the prosecu...

County Attorney Issues Statement After Zoning Decision from Court of Appeals

PHOENIX- Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement after the Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed the Superior Court’s rulings striking down Maricopa County’s medical marijuana dispensary zoning. The court ...

MCAO Partners with Uber to Offer Safe & Legal Alternative to Drinking & Driving

PHOENIX- As calendars fill up with holiday parties and New Year celebrations, one partnership wants to help you schedule an essential part of every night out… a safe way home. Building on the success of its “Save Lives, Don’...

Coupon Scammer Christina Pacheco Sentenced to Prison

PHOENIX- A woman who recruited teens to help sell fake coupon books, claiming they benefitted a charity, was sentenced to six concurrent prison terms. Christina Pacheco (DOB 05-13-1974) was charged with participating in a criminal syndicate, fraudulent sc...

Eugene Maraventano Sentenced to 25 Years for Killing His Wife and Adult Son

PHOENIX- Eugene Maraventano (DOB 02-22-1949) was sentenced today to 25 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for two counts of 2^nd Degree Murder for killing his wife and adult son in 2013.

On April 6, 2013 Goodyear police were called to the home o...

Gary Eisenmann Convicted of More Than 80 Counts in String of Home Burglaries

PHOENIX- Gary Eisenmann (D.O.B. 10-15-1969) was convicted this week of 86 felony and misdemeanor counts, from two separate indictments ranging from burglary to discharge of a firearm, all in connection to at least 16 home burglaries across the Valley in 2...

MCAO Launches Blog on Criminal Justice and Public Safety

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office today launched a new communication tool in an ongoing effort to provide information to the community. “The Opening Statement” is a blog that will focus on key topics in...

U.S. District Court Rules in Favor of MCAO in Prosecutions Involving Identity Theft Laws

PHOENIX— On Tuesday, November 22, 2016, U.S. District Court Judge David Campbell granted summary judgment on behalf of Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County, and the State of Arizona. The s...

Probationers Subject to Warrantless Search in Arizona Supreme Court Opinion

PHOENIX— On Tuesday, November 22, 2016, the Arizona Supreme Court issued an opinion in the case of State of Arizona v. Christian Adair. The case concerns the constitutional standards that apply to a warrantless search of a probationer’...

Bill Montgomery Named Co-Chair of Metropolitan Prosecutors Committee for National District Attorneys

PHOENIX— The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) named Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery as Co-chair of the Metropolitan Prosecutors Committee during their recent Fall Board Meeting in California. This new appointment comes aft...

Maricopa County Hosts 1st Regional Training for Prosecutor-Led Diversion

PHOENIX— This week, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office participated in the very first Association of Prosecuting Attorneys’ Regional Training for Prosecutor-Led Diversion, held here in Phoenix.

“We have strived to...

Avelino Tamala Convicted of Murdering Little Girl Almost 20 Years Ago

PHOENIX— Avelino Guzman Tamala (DOB 6/4/1963) was found guilty of 1^st Degree Murder, for the death of three-year-old Crystal Reyes. This verdict marks the culmination of nearly two decades of investigation by multiple agencies, including cold ca...

Issa Saleh Sentenced to 10 Years for Convenience Store Shooting

PHOENIX Issa Said Saleh (D.O.B. 04/15/1954) was sentenced today to 10 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for one count of aggravated assault, a dangerous felony, followed by 3 years of supervised probation for a second count of aggravated assa...

Caretakers Responsible for Murder and Abuse of 2-Year-Old Savannah Cross Sentenced

PHOENIX—Ryan Reed (DOB 12/03/85) and Allison Clement (DOB 12/18/84) were sentenced today for their actions that led to the death of Savannah Cross just weeks before her 3^rd birthday. Reed was sentenced to 35 years in the Department of Correction...

Friday Night Football Patrol Breaks Record as Teens Pledge to Stay Drug & Alcohol Free

PHOENIX—On Friday, October 21^st the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is encouraging our media partners to join us for Friday Night Football Patrol (FNFP) at Central High School in Phoenix. Volunteers will be encouraging students to si...

Javier Aguayo Sentenced to Life plus 32.5 Years for Attempted Murder of Witnesses

PHOENIX—Javier Aguayo (DOB 07/01/91) was sentenced today to life without the possibly of parole for 25 years plus an additional 32.5 years in the Department of Corrections for Attempted 1^st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit 1^st Degree Murder, ...

Community Focused Prosecution Leads to Creation of Two Bureaus for Family Violence Crimes

PHOENIX— Starting on October 10^th the Family Violence Bureau at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will begin operating as two geographically-based bureaus to more effectively serve communities across Maricopa County.

“By d...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office & Phoenix Police Department Awarded More than $2 Million in Grants

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Phoenix Police Department will hold a joint press conference to announce recent sex assault kit grant awards on Tuesday, October 4^th at 9:00 a.m. in the 8^th Floor Conference room ...

New Campaign Aims to Bring More Education and Awareness to Domestic Violence Issues

PHOENIX— During the month of October the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will be joining with partners nationwide to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Our state has seen the damage this issue can inflict not only on victims,...

Recent Threats Targeting Schools are No Joke

PHOENIX – Over the past week several high schools in Maricopa County have been the targets of threats made through social media postings. Fortunately there does not appear to be substance thus far to these threats of violence. However, each and ...

Victims Closer to Justice in State v. Martinson

PHOENIX—The Arizona Court of Appeals handed down a key opinion in State v. Martinson, the case of a father accused of killing his five-year-old son in 2004. The Court of Appeals found that the trial judge’s rulings that precluded evide...

County Attorney Calls into Question National Report on Forensic Evidence

PHOENIX—Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement in response to today’s release of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) report.

“President Barack Obama...

Public Misled on Claims Diaper Changing is Worthy of Felony Prosecution in Arizona

PHOENIX— On September 13, 2016, the Arizona Supreme Court voted 3-2 to leave Arizona law unchanged regarding the charges of sexual abuse and molestation of a child. Since at least 1988, state law has allowed those accused of specific sexual offe...

Track Coach Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Misconduct with a Student

PHOENIX— On September 16, 2016, former track coach, Christopher McKenna (DOB 06/07/78) was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections for one count of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of aggravated luring of a minor for sex...

Charles Flowers Sentenced in “Operation Tin Man”

PHOENIX— The final defendant in “Operation Tin Man,” the largest auto theft crime syndicate investigation MCAO has ever prosecuted, has been sentenced. Charles Flowers (D.O.B. 1/20/1962) was sentenced to four years in the Dep...

Co-Defendants Sapien and Monroy Sentenced to 30 years for Robbery and Murder of Local Pastor

PHOENIX— Jaime Norberto Sapien (D.O.B. 08/16/1984) and Jesse Armando Monroy (D.O.B. 05/14/1976) each received a total sentence of 30years in the Department of Corrections for the 2015 burglary and murder of a 53-year-old pastor ...

Misty Lee Wilke Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Hitting Boyfriend With Car

PHOENIX— Misty Lee Wilke (D.O.B. 6/20/62) was sentenced today to 6.5 years in the Department of Corrections on one count of aggravated assault, to be followed by 3 years of supervised probation on one count of leaving the scene of a serious inju...

MCAO Investigations Division Earns Gold Standard CALEA Accreditation

PHOENIX—The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) Investigations Division has been awarded Advanced Accreditation from the highly-respected Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Known as “the go...

Miguel Angel Maldonado Sentenced to 8 Months in Jail for Reckless Behavior Injuring Four People

PHOENIX— Miguel Angel Maldonado was sentenced today to eight months in jail and five years of supervised probation for his actions that led to a car crash and serious injuries to three victims in another car, and the passenger in his car. Maldon...

MCAO Launches Community Grants Webpage

PHOENIX— The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) today launched a new feature on its website that makes it easier for non-profit organizations to apply for funding through its Community Grants program.

“MCAO’s C...

Bill Montgomery Named State Director for National District Attorneys’ Association

PHOENIX— The Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council (APAAC) named Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery as the new State Director for Arizona for the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) to replace retiring Greenl...

Community Partnerships Showing Promise to Prevent and Reduce Crime

PHOENIX— The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) released a report on completion of a Pilot Cities Project, in which the City of Mesa was selected to participate. The project, Intelligence-Led Communi...

James King Sentenced to 283.5 Years for 10 Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

PHOENIX— James King was sentenced to 283.5 years in the Department of Corrections for ten counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, each a class 2 felony and considered Dangerous Crimes against Children. Each count carried 28 years flat plus 3.5...

County Attorney Announces Decision in Winslow Shooting

PHOENIX—Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery has announced that no charges will be filed against Winslow Police Officer Austin Shipley in the shooting that led to the death of Loreal Tsingine.

“After a careful review of the facts su...

Sam, MCAO’s Beloved Victim Support Dog, to Hang Up His Vest

PHOENIX— MCAO’s first victim support dog, Sam, submitted his resignation today to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. In a unanimous vote, the Board approved a motion for Sam to continue to live with his handler and Victim Advoca...

Christopher Simcox Sentenced to 19.5 Years for Two Counts of Molesting a Child

PHOENIX—Christopher Simcox (11/29/1960) was sentenced today to 19.5 years in the Department of Corrections for two counts of molestation of a child and one count of furnishing obscene materials to a minor. He was convicted on June 8, 2016.

&l...

Zakary Howard Sentenced to 18 Years for His Role in the Murder of a Friend

PHOENIX— Zakary Howard (D.O.B. 9/23/1993) was sentenced today to 18 years in the Department of Corrections for his role in the April 2015 shooting death of a friend. Howard’s co-defendant and the convicted shooter, Richard Burns, was s...

James Johnson Sentenced to Death for the 2010 Murder of Taiwanese Employee

PHOENIX— James Clayton Johnson (D.O.B. 8/2/1983) has received the sentence of death for the brutal stabbing murder of an employee at Taiwan Massage in Mesa in 2010.

“The defendant perpetrated the vicious slaughter of an innocent woman,&...

Plea Agreement Reached in Green Acre Dog Boarding Case

PHOENIX – A settlement agreement was entered into today with Jesse Todd Hughes (D.O.B. 9/28/1982) and Maleisa Maurine Hughes (D.O.B. 9/10/1969), owners of the Green Acres Boarding facility in Mesa for the death of 23 dogs left in their care. The...

Kalie Rutledge Sentenced to Three Years Supervised Probation for Assault of Chinese ASU Students

PHOENIX— Kalie Rutledge (D.O.B. 8/13/1993) was sentenced to three years of supervised probation with an initial 90 days in jail for the assault of two Chinese ASU students. The defendant pled guilty to one count of Class 6 felony assault. She wi...

MCAO Receives Maricopa Association of Governments Public Partnership Award

PHOENIX—The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has received the Maricopa Association of Governments 2016 Desert Peaks Public Partnership Award for its collaboration with multiple county agencies, the courts and Mercy Integrated Care on ...

MCAO Wins NACo Achievement Awards for Three Community Education Programs

PHOENIX—The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has received three National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for its innovative community programs: Friday Night Football Patrol, Safe Kids Summer and the &ldquo...

Ryan Giroux Sentenced to Natural Life for March 2015 Shooting Spree in Mesa

PHOENIX—Ryan Elliott Giroux (D.O.B. 12/26/73) was sentenced today to Natural Life in the Department of Corrections for one count of murder plus 81 years for an additional 22 counts including one count of attempted murder and eight counts of aggr...

Christopher Simcox Found Guilty on Two Counts of Molesting a Child

PHOENIX—Christopher Simcox (11/29/1960) was found guilty today on two counts of molestation of a child and one count of furnishing obscene materials to a minor, for his conduct with a young girl.

Between April 21, 2012, and May 23, 2013, during s...

MCAO Takes Safety Awareness to the Community for Safe Kids Summer

PHOENIX—MCAO staff volunteers are heading out into the community for another season of Safe Kids Summer as part of our ongoing effort to provide safety education and awareness to the public. Booths will be set up at locations around the Valley t...

County Attorney’s Office Launches Education and Awareness “Summer Learning Series” for Kids

PHOENIX—The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is launching a new Summer Learning Series for kids ages 6-12. Community Affairs Coordinators will be delivering curriculum-based safety programming at summer camps and other youth organizat...

Alvin Ray McClellan Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Pornography

PHOENIX—Alvin Ray McClellan (09/21/1969), a former middle school teacher’s aide and gym teacher at Mohave Middle School, was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections on count 1 of sexual exploitation of a minor, followed ...

County Attorney Launches “Don’t Leave Me Behind!” Vehicular Heatstroke Campaign

PHOENIX – As Arizona is reaching triple-digit temperatures, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is today launching its “Don’t Leave Me Behind!” vehicular heatstroke awareness campaign. A mobile billboard...

Keishaun Green Sentenced to Natural Life for Murder of Convenience Store Clerk in 2013

PHOENIX—Keishaun Green (D.O.B. 06/26/1992) was sentenced today to Natural Life in the Arizona Department of Corrections for the 2013 murder of a convenience store clerk, Ibrahim Robles, Sr. He is also sentenced to a consecutive 25 year term for ...

Leon Jerome Daniels Found Guilty on 17 Counts of Sex Trafficking

Faces a Minimum of 149.25 Years in Prison

PHOENIX— Leon Jerome Daniels (03/24/1987) has been found guilty on 17 counts related to the trafficking of three females--two adults and one minor--for sex around the time of the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoeni...

Protesters Arrested for Blocking Fountain Hills Trump Rally Accept Plea Agreement

PHOENIX—Three protesters charged with blocking a road leading to a Trump rally in March have entered into a plea agreement. Michael Cassidy, Stephany Laughlin and Jacinta Gonzalez pled guilty to Obstructing a Highway/Public Thoroughfare, a class...

Kevin Francois Sentenced Today to 137.75 Years in Prison for 2003 Rape of ASU Student

PHOENIX – Kevin Francois (D.O.B. 02/19/1966) was sentenced today to 137.75 years—the maximum allowed—in the Arizona Department of Corrections for the brutal rape of a 19-year-old ASU student in 2003.

“This case is an...

County Attorney Declines to Charge Mesa Officer Involved in Shooting

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced that he will not file charges in the December 3, 2015 shooting death of Ivan Krstic by Mesa Police Officer Dustin Gransee.

“After a thorough review of the evidence, incl...

Phoenix Goddess Temple Founder Receives 4.5 Year Sentence for Operating a House of Prostitution

PHOENIX – Tracy Elise (D.O.B. 12/20/1960), the self-proclaimed Mother High Priestess of the Phoenix Goddess Temple, been ordered to serve a term of 4.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for operating a house of prostitution. Under t...

County Attorney Increases Reward for Information on Shooting of MCSO Deputy

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will join with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for shooting a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy d...

Andre Adams Receives 330-Year Sentence for Child Prostitution

PHOENIX – Judge Pamela Gates today sentenced Andre Antonio Adams (D.O.B. 3/8/1983) to a term of 330.75 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for causing two 15-year-old girls to engage in prostitution and for providing them with drugs. ...

Danny Martinez Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Phoenix Police Officer

PHOENIX – Danny Ledezma Martinez (D.O.B. 10/16/1979) will spend the rest of his natural life in prison for fatally shooting Phoenix Police Officer Travis Murphy in 2010. In the sentence imposed today by the Honorable Teresa Sanders, Martinez was...

County Attorney Declines Felony Prosecution of High School Student Arrested for Indecent Exposure

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has completed a review of a case submitted by the Mesa Police Department involving a Red Mountain High School student arrested Saturday for allegedly exposing himself in a team photo that...

Appeals Court Reverses Ruling Against Arizona’s Identity Theft Laws

PHOENIX – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today lifted a preliminary injunction that effectively blocked the prosecution of individuals accused of using another’s identity in order to gain employment, leaving hundreds o...

Citizen Safety Forum Offers Free Crime Prevention Seminars for Valley Residents

PHOENIX - Local residents can learn how to reduce crime and improve their personal safety and security at the 2016 Citizen Safety Forum, a series of free informational seminars presented by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Offered at locat...

Arizona Commemorates Victims’ Rights Week with Luncheon Awards Ceremony

PHOENIX – Arizona will mark the 34^th annual observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with a luncheon and awards presentation event today at 11:30 a.m. at The Duce restaurant in Phoenix. State leaders and representatives from l...

Forensic Medical Examinations Available at No Cost to Sexual Assault Victims

PHOENIX - In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office wants the public to know that victims of sexual assault can receive a free forensic medical examination.

“Sexual assault survivors ...

Welcome Home Veterans Park Breaks Ground

PRESS RELEASE BY OPERATION WELCOME HOME & AZ WALL PROJECT

Gilbert, Ariz., (March 19, 2016) – Operation Welcome Home will hold a Ground Blessing and Ceremonial Ground Breaking from 10:00 - 11:30 AM for Welcome Home Veterans Park on the propert...

MCAO and Uber Offer Safe, Legal Alternative to Drinking and Driving on St. Patrick’s Day

PHOENIX - Building on the success of its “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with ride-sharing service Uber to offer St. Patrick’s Day revelers an incentiv...

Donald Lee Scott Sentenced for Multiple Stalking and Harassment Offenses

PHOENIX – A Phoenix man accused of repeatedly stalking and harassing two female victims has been sentenced to one-and-a-half years in prison followed by a 20-year term of probation. Donald Lee Scott (D.O.B. 7-31-1962) pled guilty to one count of...

Mesa Police Officer Charged in Fatal Shooting

PHOENIX –Maricopa County prosecutors filed a Direct Complaint today charging a Mesa Police Officer with second degree murder for fatally shooting a suspect during an incident that occurred last January at a local hotel. Philip Mitchell Brailsfor...

County Attorney’s Office to Discontinue Providing Apple iPhones to Employees

PHOENIX – Effective immediately, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will discontinue providing iPhones as option for replacements or upgrades for existing employees. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced the decision to...

Convicted Murderer Wade Bradford Receives Life Sentence for Cold Case Homicide

PHOENIX – Wade Eugene Bradford (D.O.B. 6/17/1960) has been sentenced to a term of natural life in prison for the 2006 murder of Eleanor Su Pigon, whose body was discovered in 2014 as Bradford was awaiting trial for a murder he committed in 2010....

Chandler Shred-A-Thon Offers Free Document Shredding, Prescription Drug Disposal

PHOENIX – Members of the public will have an opportunity to safely destroy unneeded financial records and prescription medications at a free Shred-A-Thon hosted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in partnership with Iron Mountain...

Brokale Marques Sentenced to 23 Years for Child’s Death in Hot Car

PHOENIX – A man whose one-year-old son died after he left the child unattended in a hot car for over four hours will spend more than two decades in prison. Brokale Lytte Marques (D.O.B. 10/13/1984) was charged with murder and child abuse. He wai...

Stoned Teenager Sentenced to 10 Years for Causing Fatal Car Wreck

PHOENIX – After smoking a blunt of marijuana, 19-year-old Robert Joseph Lopez (D.O.B. 7/15/1995) got behind the wheel of a Saturn sedan and took four passengers on a reckless, high speed ride on Interstate 10 before losing control of the car and...

Adam Angulo Convicted in Cold Case Homicide

PHOENIX – After deliberating for less than four hours, a jury has found Adam Mena Angulo (D.O.B. 5/5/1973) guilty of second degree murder for fatally shooting Leo Chavez, Jr. outside a Phoenix bar in 2004. After remaining unsolved for nearly a d...

MCAO and Uber Extend Campaign to Combat DUI

PHOENIX – Due to the overwhelming success of the recent “Save Lives, Don’t DUI” campaign, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Uber will extend their partnership to offer a twenty-dollar discount to f...

MCAO Partners with Uber to Offer Free Rides for Holiday Revelers

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is announcing a partnership with ridesharing service Uber today to provide a safe, affordable transportation alternative for local residents during the holiday season. As part of the MCAO&rs...

County Attorney Declines to File Charges Against Greg Miller for Alleged Assault

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will not file criminal charges against State Board of Education President Greg Miller for an alleged assault against Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas that occurred during a boa...

Horseback Riding Instructor Ralph Carr Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse

PHOENIX – A local horse riding instructor and trainer accused of sexually abusing seven young girls between 2002 and 2009 has been found guilty on all counts. After five indictments and two mistrials, Ralph Lawrence Carr (D.O.B. 5/27/1946) now f...

Brian Yazzie Sentenced to 14 Years for Fatal DUI Hit-and-Run

PHOENIX – An intoxicated driver who struck and killed an on-duty Chandler Police officer last year will serve a 14-year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Under terms of the sentence imposed today by the Honorable Judge Warren Granvi...

Joint Operation Apprehends Multiple Unregistered Sex Offenders

PHOENIX – Ninety people convicted of sex crimes who evaded their court-ordered requirement to register as a sex offender have been located and 26 have been re-arrested as a result of a recent coordinated operation by the Maricopa County Attorney...

Amanda Gomez-Vidal Convicted of Child Abuse for Leaving Children in Hot Car

PHOENIX – A woman who left her nine-month and 23-month-old sons unattended in a parked van last August while she went shopping has been found guilty of felony child abuse. Amanda Hope Gomez-Vidal (D.O.B. 5/13/1985) told police she was away from ...

Moon Valley Shred-A-Thon Offers Free Document Shredding, Prescription Drug Disposal

PHOENIX – Members of the public are invited to a free document shredding event hosted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to reduce the risk of identity theft. Destroying unneeded tax returns, billing statements and other papers w...

Maricopa County Outpaces U.S. in Falling Crime Rates

PHOENIX – Crime in Maricopa County continues to fall by a greater margin than the nation as a whole, according to the latest data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In its annual report, Crime in the United States, 2014, the FBI no...

Charges Filed Against Leslie Allen Merritt, Jr. for Multiple I-10 Shooting Incidents

PHOENIX – Based upon information developed over the course of the criminal investigation to date, prosecutors have filed a direct complaint against Leslie Allen Merritt, Jr. (D.O.B. 6/20/1994) alleging sixteen felony counts in connection with a ...

MCAO Kicks Off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Goodyear Ballpark

PHOENIX - The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) will host a free family-friendly movie night at Goodyear Ballpark on Saturday, September 26 to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October and to raise funds for the New L...

Christopher Licon Found Guilty of Double Murder

PHOENIX – A jury today returned guilty verdicts for Christopher Rey Licon (D.O.B. 1/26/1991), accused of fatally shooting his brother and six-year-old nephew and attempting to conceal evidence of the crime. His trial continues tomorrow with the ...

Paroled Felons Charged with Multiple Armed Robberies

PHOENIX – A pair of former prison cell mates are facing multiple felony charges for allegedly committing a string of armed robberies and carjackings while on parole. Dennis Lee Matthews (D.O.B. 10/16/1980) and Chad Forrest Whiteford (D.O.B. 9/12...

Vincent Jones Sentenced to 25 Years for Violent Armed Robberies

PHOENIX – A bank robber whose accomplice was killed in a shootout with a security guard will serve a 25-year sentence in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Vincent Robert Jones (D.O.B. 12/14/1992) pled guilty to all charges in a 37-count ind...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Wins Grant to Eliminate Backlog of Untested Rape Kits

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will receive a $1.9 million grant from the New York County District Attorney’s Office to analyze previously untested sexual assault evidence kits. The award is one of the larges...

Maricopa County Files Motion for Recognition of Rights in Melendres

PHOENIX - Lawyers for Maricopa County are asking a federal district court to honor the County’s right to represent itself in a 2007 class action lawsuit alleging discriminatory policing by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The Coun...

Jasper Rushing Sentenced to Death for 2010 Prison Murder

PHOENIX – A prison inmate serving a sentence for murder will receive the death penalty for brutally killing another prisoner in 2010. Jasper Phillip Rushing (D.O.B. 5/18/1980) was serving a sentence of life without parole for 25 years for the 20...

Cudellious Love Receives 25 Years to Life for 1989 Homicide

PHOENIX – A homicide case that remained unsolved for more than 25 years came to a final conclusion today when the Honorable Judge Sam Myers sentenced Cudellious Love (D.O.B. 12/4/1955) to a life term in the Arizona Department of Corrections with...

Anthony Gehon Convicted of Operating Sadistic Prostitution Ring

PHOENIX – After a lengthy trial involving testimony from over fifty witnesses and seven victims, a jury today returned multiple guilty verdicts against Anthony Greg Gehon (11/26/1954) in connection with an extensive prostitution enterprise he op...

Jerice Hunter Sentenced to Natural Life for Murdering Her Daughter

PHOENIX – The mother of a five-year-old girl who disappeared in 2011 will spend the rest of her life in prison after being found guilty last April of her daughter’s murder. Jerice Hunter (D.O.B. 10/13/1973) was also sentenced to a cons...

Chad Norris Sentenced to 18 Years for Second Degree Murder

PHOENIX – The final chapter in the story of a failed business relationship came to a conclusion today when Judge Joseph Kreamer sentenced Chad Justin Norris (D.O.B. 7/21/1979) to a term of 18 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for th...

Wade Bradford Receives Life Sentence for Murder of Natalie Allan

PHOENIX – Wade Eugene Bradford (D.O.B. 6/17/1960) will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release for the cold blooded killing of his former girlfriend, Natalie Allan in 2010. The Honorable M. Scott McCoy also senten...

38-Year Sentence for Serial Armed Robber

PHOENIX – An armed robber who hit three Mesa businesses that sold cell phones was sentenced to serve a term of 38 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections today. Patrick Dwayne Porter (D.O.B. 8/4/1983) was also sentenced for a separate cas...

Judge Grants Motion to Dismiss Abuse Charges Against Parents of Liberian Rape Victim

PHOENIX - Prosecutors moved to dismiss without prejudice child abuse counts against Hemie and Wedeh Dio and Judge Bruce Cohen granted the State’s motion today.

In 2007, the Dio family relocated their family to Arizona from war-torn Liberia and re...

Repeat Felon Receives 18-Year Sentence for Violent Standoff with Police

PHOENIX – A paroled convict who terrified a neighborhood and held a woman and her children hostage during a lengthy and violent standoff with Mesa Police will serve an 18-year sentence in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Michael Brandon Hu...

County Attorney Launches Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Campaign

PHOENIX – “Don’t Leave Me Behind!” is the message motorists will see on a mobile billboard truck travelling throughout Maricopa County this summer, warning of the dangers of leaving young children and animals in una...

MCAO Notified of Errors in FBI DNA Profile Frequency Data

PHOENIX - Late in the afternoon of May 28, 2015, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office received notice of a recent FBI Bulletin describing an amendment to the 1999 and 2001 FBI Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Population Data due to clerical and trans...

U.S. Supreme Court to Allow Bail for Undocumented Criminal Suspects in Arizona

PHOENIX – Rejecting Arizona’s experience with Defendants fleeing prosecution, the U.S. Supreme Court will let stand a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that permits criminal suspects in Arizona without lawful authority who...

$10,000 Reward Offered for Information on Fatal Road Rage Incident that Killed MCAO Employee

PHOENIX – Yavapai Silent Witness is offering a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a driver suspected of causing a fatal car crash that claimed the life of Sonya Teresa Coronado, an employee of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Offic...

Animal Cruelty Charges Reinstated in Green Acre Dog Boarding Case

PHOENIX – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has reinstated animal cruelty charges against the owners of Green Acre Boarding in Gilbert in connection with the deaths of 21 dogs and the injury of four others that occurred in June, 2014. Jesse Todd Hugh...

DNA Match Leads to Indictment for 1993 Cold Case Homicide

PHOENIX - Twenty-two years after Debra Shipton was found murdered in her Mesa apartment, her suspected killer has been charged with the crime. Raymond H. Hanley (D.O.B 1/27/1953) faces charges of first degree murder, burglary; kidnapping and arson of an o...

MCAO Employee Killed in Suspected Road Rage Incident

PHOENIX – An apparent act of road rage has claimed the life of a dedicated employee of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. On April 10, 2015, Sonya Coronado, a legal secretary in the Civil Division, was seriously injured after her v...

County Attorney Issues Statement on State v. Jerice Hunter verdict

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement today on the State v. Jerice Hunter verdict:

“We never forgot Jhessey and may the memory of her suffering and the end of a life that came all too soon mot...

Arthur Rey Juarez Receives 33-Year Prison Sentence for Child Sex Crimes

PHOENIX – Seventeen years after he engaged in sexual acts with a 13-year-old boy, Arthur Rey Juarez (D.O.B. 7/20/1970) is in the custody of the Arizona Department of Corrections where he will serve a 33-year sentence. His crimes occurred between...

Arizona Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to DUI Lab Results

PHOENIX – The Arizona Supreme Court will allow prosecutors to use blood test results provided by the Scottsdale Crime Lab (SCL) in a series of DUI cases against Defendants who had challenged the reliability of the lab’s equipment. In r...

Ryan Foote Receives Life Sentence for First Degree Murder

PHOENIX – A repeat felon who committed three armed robberies and a murder in the space of a month is on his way to prison today, where he will spend the rest of his life. Ryan William Foote (D.O.B. 5/15/1989) was sentenced by the Honorable Judge...

Arizona Supreme Court Upholds Sanctions for Attack Ads in 2010 Attorney General’s Race

PHOENIX – The Arizona Supreme Court declined to overturn an Appeals Court ruling that imposes sanctions against the Committee for Justice and Fairness (CJF), a political committee that broadcast commercials attacking Tom Horne shortly before the...

County Attorney Issues Statement on Adoption Services for Same-Sex Stepparents

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement today on adoption petition services provided by the County Attorney’s Office:

Under Arizona law, “Prospective adoptive parents have no absolute ...

Darren Sharper Receives Nine Year Sentence for Sexual Assault

PHOENIX - Darren Mallory Sharper (D.O.B. 11/3/1975) pled guilty today to offenses stemming from a November, 2013 sexual encounter and was sentenced to a nine year prison term. At a change of plea hearing before the Honorable Judge Warren Granville in Phoe...

County Attorney Comments on Arizona Supreme Court Ruling in State v. Milke

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement today in response to the Arizona Supreme Court’s denial of the State’s Petition for Review of a Special Action Decision dismissing charges with...

County Attorney Issues Statement on State v. Arias Juror 17

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement today in response to recent reports of threats and intimidation made against a member of the jury in State v. Jodi Arias:

Claims of juror misconduct in any trial ar...

Penalty Phase Retrial in State v. Arias Results in Hung Jury

PHOENIX– A Maricopa County jury is unable to reach a decision on whether Jodi Ann Arias (D.O.B. 7/9/1980) should be sentenced to death for the 2008 murder of Travis Alexander. This is the second jury to reach an impasse in the penalty phase of t...

Best Practices Summit Draws Prosecutors from 15 States to Phoenix

PHOENIX – Senior prosecutors from 15 states are in Phoenix for a two-day conference to discuss a range of initiatives designed to improve performance of the overall prosecution function and the criminal justice system. The nationwide “...

Law Enforcement Agencies Issue Revised Protocol for Domestic Violence Investigations

PHOENIX – Police and prosecutors in Maricopa County will follow updated procedures for investigating incidents of domestic violence and holding offenders accountable. The process is detailed in the Maricopa County Domestic Violence Protocol Manu...

Edgar Garcia Convicted for Raping, Molesting his Stepdaughters

PHOENIX – Edgar Garcia (D.O.B. 8/13/1980) faces more than 100 years in prison for repeatedly raping and molesting his stepdaughters over a seven-year period. After a two-week trial, a Maricopa County jury convicted Garcia on multiple counts of s...

“Operation Powder Burn” Shuts Down Baby Formula Crime Ring

PHOENIX – A major organized crime ring accused of stealing thousands of dollars of baby formula from local grocery stores is out of commission thanks to a successful investigation and enforcement action by Scottsdale Police, the Maricopa County ...

County Attorney Lauds Appointment of Greg McKay as DCS Director

PHOENIX - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery strongly supports Governor Doug Ducey’s appointment of current Chief of the Office of Child Welfare Investigations, Greg McKay, to serve as Director of the Department of Child Safety.

“...

Felony Murder Defendant Missing and Unaccounted For

PHOENIX – Law enforcement authorities are attempting to locate an accomplice to the January 2012 murders of Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro. Barry Michael Hassell II (D.O.B. 10/2/1983) is charged with two counts of felony first degree murder for dri...

Chandler Shred-A-Thon Helps Citizens Fight Identity Theft

Prescription drug disposal also available on site

PHOENIX– Members of the public will be able to safely destroy unused or expired prescription medications as well as unneeded documents containing personal information at a free event on Friday, Fe...

PetSmart® and MCAO Join Forces to Expand K9 Victim Support Program

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office proudly welcomes a new member to its K9 Victim Support Program, an innovative initiative to assist crime victims sponsored by PetSmart Inc., (NASDAQ: PETM) the largest specialty retailer ...

Rising Heroin Use Takes Heavy Toll on Arizona

PHOENIX – A growing supply of inexpensive heroin is fueling an epidemic of addiction and criminal activity in Arizona, with devastating effects on young users in particular. The problem is the subject of “Hooked: Tracking Heroin&rs...

Animal Cruelty Charges Dismissed in Green Acre Dog Boarding Case

PHOENIX – Prosecutors will move to dismiss without prejudice animal cruelty counts against all four defendants charged with causing the deaths of 21 dogs at the Green Acre dog boarding facility last June. One count of fraud will remain against J...

Cold Case Investigation Leads to Charges for 1997 Child Murder

PHOENIX – 17 years after four-year-old Crystal Reyes disappeared, Avelino Guzman Tamala (D.O.B. 6/4/1963) is in custody facing charges for her murder. His indictment marks the culmination of nearly two decades of investigation by multiple agenci...

Juan Garcia Sentenced for Murder of Two-Year-Old Child

PHOENIX – Juan Garcia (D.O.B. 7/12/1993) will serve a 25-year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections for beating his girlfriend’s two-year-old son to death after the child refused to eat his dinner. Garcia pled guilty earlier th...

Michelle Gibson Convicted in Plot to Kill Her Husband

PHOENIX –Michelle Dawn Gibson (D.O.B. 9/5/1971) is now facing a life prison sentence after a jury today found her guilty of conspiring with her children and their friends to murder her husband, Steven Gibson. Her son, Steven Gibson Jr., was sent...

County Attorney Comments on Supreme Court Denial of Stay in Prop. 100 Case

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States denying the County’s request to stay a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Cour...

Supreme Court Delays Appeals Court Order Allowing Bail for Undocumented Criminal Suspects

PHOENIX – The Supreme Court of the United States today ordered a stay of a recent judgment by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that overturned Arizona’s law denying bail for undocumented suspects charged with serious crimes. In reque...

Legal Challenge to Arizona Medical Marijuana Act Moves Forward

PHOENIX –In an order issued today, the Arizona Court of Appeals granted a request for oral argument by Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery in White Mountain Health Center v. Maricopa County. The appeal seeks review of previous trial court r...

Top Prosecutors Call on Arizona Leaders to Oppose Legal Marijuana

One in six Arizona 12^th grade students who use marijuana obtains their drugs from someone with a medical marijuana card.

PHOENIX - Arizona’s top prosecutors are calling for political and civic leaders to oppose the legalization of marijuana for r...

“Exonerated” Sex Offender Indicted on New Child Pornography Charges

PHOENIX – A suspected rapist whose conviction was reversed in 2010 after a legal challenge by the Arizona Justice Project now faces ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. John Kenneth Watkins (D.O.B. 6/3/1983) was arrested on the new char...

Ian MacDonald Sentenced for Scottsdale Nightclub Stabbing Death

PHOENIX – Ian MacDonald (D.O.B. 8/25/1986) will spend the next 18 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for fatally stabbing Tyrice Thompson during a fight outside a Scottsdale nightclub last year. MacDonald was convicted on one count o...

County Attorney Asks Appeals Court to Delay Order Allowing Bail for Undocumented Criminal Suspects

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Bill Montgomery is asking a federal appeals court to delay the implementation of a recent ruling that allows undocumented aliens who are charged with a serious felony to be released on bail. In an emergency motion filed...

County Attorney Issues Statement on Ninth Circuit Ruling in Lopez-Valenzuela et. al. v. Arpaio et. a

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement in response to today’s opinion issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that Proposition 100 violates the Fourteenth Amendment....

Four Charged in Green Acre Dog Boarding Deaths

PHOENIX – The Grand Jurors of Maricopa County have handed down an indictment charging Jesse Todd Hughes, Maleisa Maurine Hughes, Austin Lane Flake and Logan Flake with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals in connection wi...

Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Selects MCAO as High Performance Prosecution Mentor Site

PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will serve as a mentor to other prosecution agencies in several critical practice areas as part of an innovative program developed by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. As one of e...

Update on Green Acre Dog Boarding Deaths

PHOENIX – In recognition of the ongoing public interest in the Gilbert Green Acre investigation, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office provides the following update: Deputy County Attorneys have completed their initial review of approx...

ACLU Distorts the Truth about Training Seminar on Islamic Extremism

PHOENIX – The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona is spreading misinformation about an upcoming law enforcement training seminar on Islamic extremism sponsored by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. A letter distributed to med...

Two Gang Members Convicted in Tempe Nightclub Shooting

PHOENIX – A pair of gang members are facing lengthy prison terms following their convictions yesterday on multiple felony counts related to a shooting that occurred outside a Tempe nightclub in March, 2012. Bryston Ware (D.O.B. 4/19/1990) and Ra...

County Attorney Offers Agreement to Release Juvenile Convicted of Murder in 1970

PHOENIX – An Arizona inmate who has served 44 years of a life sentence for a murder he committed when he was 17 will be released as part of a resolution to reduce his sentence to time served. Ray Chatman (D.O.B. 8/21/1952) was convicted of first...

Dauntorian Sanders Sentenced to Death for 2009 Murder of Three-year-old Child

PHOENIX – A Maricopa County Jury today sentenced Dauntorian Lydel Sanders (D.O.B 4/12/1986) to death by lethal injection for fatally beating Schala Vera, his girlfriend’s three-year-old daughter, in 2009. He was convicted of first degr...

Bryan Wayne Hulsey Sentenced to Death for Murder of Glendale Police Officer

PHOENIX – A Maricopa County jury imposed a sentence of death by lethal injection against Bryan Wayne Hulsey (D.O.B. 11/26/1973) for the 2007 murder of Glendale Police Officer Anthony Holly. Hulsey was also sentenced to a term of 9 years for the ...

Shared Hope Report Reaches Flawed Conclusions on Sex Trafficking in Arizona

PHOENIX – A report released by Shared Hope International in collaboration with Arizona State University College of Public Programs presents an inaccurate picture of how child prostitution and sex trafficking crimes are prosecuted in Maricopa Cou...

Hit-and-Run Driver Sentenced to 5-Year Prison Term

PHOENIX – An impaired motorist who fatally struck a bicyclist and fled will serve a five-year prison sentence and remain on probation for four years after his release. Matthew Stephen McIver (D.O.B. 11/3/1976) was identified, apprehended and ind...

County Attorney Realigns Major Crime Divisions to Address Public Safety Priorities

PHOENIX – County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced a new organizational structure for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office today designed to enhance the prosecution of serious felony offenses. Eleven specialized crime bureaus previou...

County Attorney Launches Public Awareness Campaign on Vehicular Heatstroke

PHOENIX – A mobile billboard truck will travel Valley streets and highways throughout the month of August carrying a warning message about the dangers of leaving an unattended child or a pet in a parked car. The signage, which depicts a child an...

County Attorney Prevails in Challenge to Committee Behind Attack Ads Against Tom Horne

PHOENIX – The Committee for Justice and Fairness (CJF) should have registered as a political committee and disclosed its financial contributors when the group created television ads attacking Tom Horne’s candidacy for Arizona Attorney ...

Mesa Police Officer Justin Cherry Charged with Sex Crimes

PHOENIX – A Mesa Police Officer stands accused of engaging in sexual contact with two female victims without their consent and molesting a child under the age of 15, according to a Maricopa Grand Jury indictment. Justin Cherry (D.O.B. 7/5/1980) ...

County Attorney Comments on Verdicts in State v. Hulsey

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement following today’s guilty verdicts in State v. Bryan Wayne Hulsey:

“Though the case is not final, today’s verdicts mark a long-awaited ...

XANGO, LLC Reaches Resolution with Maricopa County Attorney in Civil Complaint against Sherman E. Un

PHOENIX - The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has reached a resolution with a company that was used by convicted felon Sherman E. Unkefer III (D.O.B. 9/21/1943) to conceal his assets and avoid paying millions of dollars in court-ordered restit...

County Attorney Offers Conditional Agreement to Defer Prosecution against Shanesha Taylor

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will dismiss child abuse charges against Shanesha Shaine Taylor (D.O.B. 1/22/1979) if she successfully completes parenting and substance abuse treatment programs and establishes education and ch...

Allison Clement and Ryan Reed Indicted for Child Abuse, Murder of 3 Year Old

PHOENIX - A Maricopa County Grand Jury has delivered an indictment charging Alison Clement and Ryan Reed with second degree murder and child abuse in connection with the December, 2012 death of a nearly three-year-old girl in their care. Reed is also char...

County Attorney’s Office Streamlines Prosecution Process with New Case Management System

PHOENIX – Prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will greatly reduce the amount of paperwork they have to handle by using a new online criminal case management system to create and exchange electronic documents with the...

Father of Child Who Died in Hot Car Receives 4-Year Prison Sentence

PHOENIX – A man whose infant son died after he was left in a parked car more than two hours last August has been sentenced to a term of four years in the Arizona Department of Corrections followed by a seven-year term of probation. Daniel B. Gra...

Cold Case Investigation Partnership Leads to Arrest of 1989 Homicide Suspect

PHOENIX – Twenty-five years after Laura Hunding was stabbed to death, a suspect has been identified and taken into custody. Cudellious Love (D.O.B. 12/4/1955) was arrested on June 13, 2014 and charged with premeditated first degree murder, sexua...

County Attorney Comments on Puente Arizona Lawsuit

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement in response to the announcement of a complaint filed by the ACLU on behalf of Puente Arizona against Maricopa County, the Maricopa County Sheriff, the Maricopa Cou...

“Safe Kids Summer 2014” Kicks Off with a Splash

PHOENIX– Employee volunteers from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will be out in force throughout the community this summer offering a free program that teaches children about personal safety and provides parents with resources t...

Border Patrol Transports of Unattended Migrant Children May Violate Child Abuse Laws

PHOENIX – Federal officials who apprehend children in border enforcement actions and then leave them unattended at locations in Arizona may be guilty of felony child abuse under state law, warns Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. In a let...

Maricopa County Attorney Initiates Civil RICO Action Against Sherman E. Unkefer III

PHOENIX – A Maricopa County Superior Court has appointed a Receiver to take custody of the assets of a convicted fraud artist who failed to pay up to $7.5 million in court ordered restitution to his victims. The action is the result of a recentl...

Steven Hernandez Convicted of Attempted Murder of Chandler Police Officer

PHOENIX – A gunman who fired on a Chandler Police Officer and a civilian observer who was in the officer’s vehicle has been found guilty of multiple counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault after a two week trial. Steven Ramir...

County Attorney Declines Prosecution of Department of Corrections Officer Jesse Dorantes

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced that there is insufficient evidence to establish a reasonable likelihood of conviction on animal cruelty charges involving the death of Department of Corrections Officer Jesse Dorantes...

Michael Dean Ross Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation

PHOENIX – A man who used Facebook to lure and sexually exploit underage victims will spend 24 years in prison and will not be eligible for early release under any circumstances. Michael Dean Ross (D.O.B. 7/24/1970) pled guilty to charges stemmin...

Marissa Devault to Receive Life Sentence for First Degree Murder

PHOENIX – A Maricopa County Jury has returned a verdict to impose a life sentence on Marissa Devault who was convicted for the 2009 murder of her husband, Dale Harrell. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2014.

“We appreciate th...

County Attorney Comments on State Supreme Court Ruling on Marijuana Metabolites

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement in response to today’s published opinion in State v. Harris (Shilgevorkyan) by the Supreme Court of the State of Arizona:

The only way the Court could rea...

County Attorney Hails Strengthening of Human Trafficking, Child Prostitution Laws

PHOENIX – Legislation enacted today will enhance the ability of Arizona prosecutors to hold offenders accountable for crimes related to human trafficking and child prostitution. House Bill 2454, sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Ed...

John Landrum Jr. Sentenced to 170 Year Prison Term for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

PHOENIX – A man found with numerous images and videos on his computer depicting child pornography has been sentenced to a 170-year prison term after a jury found him guilty on ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Defendant John Landrum ...

County Attorney Seeks Clarification on Medical Marijuana Extract Ruling

PHOENIX – A recent Superior Court ruling throws into doubt exactly how much marijuana qualified patients are allowed to have under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA). Although the AMMA defines the “allowable amount of marijuana&a...

Citizen Safety Forum Offers Free Crime Prevention Seminars for Valley Residents

PHOENIX - Local residents can learn how to reduce crime and improve their personal safety and security at the 2014 Citizen Safety Forum, a series of free informational seminars presented by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Offered at locat...

Cordell Jude Receives Eight Year Sentence for Manslaughter

PHOENIX – A fatal confrontation in a fast-food restaurant parking lot has resulted in an eight year prison sentence for Cordell Lamar Jude (D.O.B. 1/10/1990). Jude was found guilty of manslaughter last November for recklessly causing the death o...

Roger Nelson Convicted For Tempe Mall Robbery and Assaulting a Police Officer

PHOENIX – An armed robber who threatened employees and a Tempe Police officer at the Arizona Mills Mall in 2011 faces a lengthy prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of multiple felony offenses. Roger Nelson (D.O.B. 4/18/1992) is schedul...

Jorge Busso Sentenced to 18 Years for Second Degree Murder

PHOENIX – Jorge Alberto Busso Jr. (D.O.B. 6/10/1987) has been sentenced to serve a term of 18 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for severely beating his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son after the child had soiled himself. The c...

Johnathan Doody Convicted a Second Time for 1991 Temple Murders

PHOENIX, AZ (January 23, 2014) – A man accused of the worst mass murder in Arizona history has been found guilty by a Maricopa County jury for a second time more than two decades after the crime. Johnathan A. Doody (D.O.B. 5/9/1974) was original...

Patrick Ryon Sentenced for 1980 Cold Case Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (January 17, 2014) – More than three decades after the murder of 19-year-old Alison Mims, her killer has been brought to justice. Patrick C. Ryon (D.O.B. 2/20/1960) was sentenced today to a term of 18 years in the Arizona Department ...

Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to Scottsdale Crime Lab Blood Alcohol Results

PHOENIX, AZ (January 14, 2014) – The Arizona Court of Appeals has cleared the way for ten DUI cases to move forward after determining that blood alcohol content (BAC) results provided by the Scottsdale Crime Lab (SCL) are admissible under Arizon...

County Attorney Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision Not to Hear Horne v. Isaacson

PHOENIX, AZ (January 13, 2014) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Arizona’s law prohibiting abortions after 20-wee...

Jose Nevares Indicted for 2006 Cold Case Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (January 9, 2014) – More than seven years after 75 year-old Patricia Staggs was beaten to death in her home, the man alleged to be responsible for her murder has been identified and charged. Jose Manuel Muros Nevares (D.O.B. 4/20/197...

Jennifer Dempsey Receives 17-Year Sentence for Sexual Conduct With a Minor

PHOENIX, AZ (December 20, 2013) – A 35 year-old woman who posed as a teenager and had multiple separate sexual encounters with two underage males has been ordered to serve a term of 17 years in the Arizona Department of Correction. Under the ter...

Kevin Taubman and Lester Dunnings Sentenced for Deadly Home Invasions

PHOENIX, AZ (December 19, 2013) – A pair of repeat criminals received lengthy prison sentences in two separate hearings today for committing a series of violent home invasions, one of which led to the death of an elderly couple. Kevin Michael Ta...

Danny Wise Receives 35-Year Prison Sentence for Tax Fraud Scheme

PHOENIX, AZ (December 6, 2013) – A former Certified Public Accountant in Scottsdale who bilked six of his clients out of nearly $1 million will spend 35 years in prison, according to a sentence handed down today by the Honorable David B. Gass. D...

Joshua Barnes Sentenced to 15 Years for Sun City Home Invasion

PHOENIX, AZ (December 5, 2013) – Joshua Barnes (D.O.B. 2/4/1980) has been ordered to serve two concurrent 15-year sentences in the Arizona Department of Corrections for a violent home invasion that victimized three elderly residents in Sun City ...

Cordell Jude Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Death of Daniel Adkins

PHOENIX, AZ (November 20, 2013) – Cordell Lamar Jude (D.O.B. 1/10/1990) is guilty of Manslaughter for recklessly causing the death of Daniel Adkins after a verbal altercation in a parking lot last year, according to a jury verdict delivered toda...

County Attorney Sets the Record Straight on Prosecutorial Misconduct

PHOENIX, AZ (November 7, 2013) – In a strongly-worded response to a recent series of articles that appeared in the Arizona Republic, County Attorney Bill Montgomery corrects numerous mischaracterizations about the role and responsibilities of pr...

Indictment for 1982 Murder Marks New Program for Solving Cold Cases

PHOENIX, AZ (October 31, 2013) – A new collaborative effort to solve cold cases has led to an indictment for a murder that remained unsolved for more than three decades. Teodoro Barron Corella, Jr. (D.O.B. 5/18/1957) faces one count of First Deg...

County Attorney Launches PSAs to Encourage Public to Report Crime

Videos spread message in English and Spanish: “It’s your community. It’s your call.”

PHOENIX, AZ (October 23, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery urges County residents to “step out o...

Michael Lee Franklin Sentenced to Natural Life for 2011 Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (October 18, 2013) – A convicted felon on parole who tried to murder the parents of a minor he was having a sexual relationship with was sentenced by the Honorable Harriett Chavez today to a term of 45 years in the Arizona Department...

Bryan Boesch Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder, Sexual Conduct with a Minor

PHOENIX, AZ (October 18, 2013) – A convicted felon on parole who tried to murder the parents of a minor he was having a sexual relationship with was sentenced by the Honorable Harriett Chavez today to a term of 45 years in the Arizona Department...

County Attorney Bill Montgomery Participates In Prosecutor Roundtable for Major Cities

Prosecuting Attorneys Discuss Unique Challenges Facing Large Urban Areas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 15, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery joined fellow prosecutors from other large jurisdictions in a roundtable discussion in Washing...

Thomas Moton Receives Life Sentence for 2012 Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (October 11, 2013) – A man who fatally shot his former girlfriend last year in front of their children in a school parking lot will spend the rest of his life in prison with no eligibility for release. Thomas Lamont Moton (D.O.B. 10/...

James Brian Kummer Receives 60 Years to Life for Violent Sexual Attack

PHOENIX, AZ (September 26, 2013) – A violent sexual predator will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars for breaking into a woman’s apartment and violently attacking her in 2007. James Brian Kummer (D.O.B 9/8/1967) was sentence...

County Attorney Comments on Verdict in State vs. Chrisman

PHOENIX, AZ (September 17, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement regarding today’s jury verdict in State of Arizona vs. Richard Chrisman:

First, I want to thank the members of the jury for their...

County Attorney Announces “My Message” Teen Video Competition

Partnership with Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace Focuses on Preventing Future Crimes

PHOENIX, AZ (September 3, 2013) – Valley high school students will compete for a chance to win cash prizes and showcase their filmmaking talents o...

John Chester Stuart Found Guilty in Road Rage Homicide

PHOENIX, AZ (September 3, 2013) – Nearly six years after a road rage incident that escalated into a fatal shooting, a Maricopa County jury delivered guilty verdicts today against John Chester Stuart (D.O.B. 6/21/1962) for one count each of Secon...

MCAO’s “Friday Night Football Patrol” Kicks Off Third Season

PHOENIX, AZ (August 30, 2013) – Volunteers with the Maricopa County Attorney’s office will kick off the third season of “Friday Night Football Patrol” at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale this evening, where th...

Stanley Torgerson to Serve Three Years in Prison for Fraudulent Car Selling Scheme

PHOENIX, AZ (August 16, 2013) – A Valley businessman who sold vehicles for customers but pocketed the money for himself will go to prison for 3.25 years followed by seven years of supervised probation. Stanley Dean Torgerson (D.O.B. 1/7/1946) wa...

County Attorney Responds to Attorney General Eric Holder’s Proposals on Sentencing Reform

PHOENIX, AZ (August 12, 2013) – U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s proposal to reduce the number of non-violent drug offenders who are sent to federal prison aims at a worthy goal yet misses the mark by sidestepping Congress, accordin...

Michael Turley Sentenced for Terrorism Hoax

PHOENIX, AZ (August 8, 2013) – Michael David Turley (D.O.B. 3/12/1973) will spend two weeks in jail and two years on supervised probation for devising a dangerous hoax that prompted an emergency response to a suspected terrorist incident. As par...

“Rock Burglar” Robert Neese Sentenced to 22.75 Years

PHOENIX, AZ (August 7, 2013) - A serial burglar who evaded apprehension for more than a decade has been sentenced to 22.75 years in prison by the Honorable Pamela Svoboda. Robert James Neese (D.O.B. 3/15/53) became known as the “rock burglar&...

Steven Humelhans Receives Life Sentence for Cold Case Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (July 30, 2013) – Twenty-five years after the brutal murder of Eric Rice, his killer has been brought to justice. Steven Michael Humelhans (D.O.B. 8/14/1970) was sentenced to a term of life in prison with the possibility of release a...

Bill Montgomery Honored by Arizona Narcotics Officers Association

PHOENIX, AZ (July 25, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery has been recognized with a Meritorious Service Award from the Arizona Narcotic Officers Association (ANOA) for his outstanding efforts in support of Arizona Drug Law Enforcem...

County Attorney Leads Training Efforts on Domestic Violence, Child Abuse Crimes

PHOENIX, AZ (July 17, 2013) – Arizona law enforcement and criminal justice professionals are partnering to improve the way they investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence and child abuse at a series of specialized training events prese...

Auto Thefts in Maricopa County Continue to Decline

PHOENIX, AZ (July 10, 2013) – Auto thefts in Maricopa County dropped more than 8.5% in 2012, marking the fifth consecutive year of declines, according to the latest data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). In its annual ranking of M...

County Attorney Improperly Sent Complaint Regarding Phoenix City Election Law Violation

PHOENIX, AZ (July 1, 2013) – The Maricopa County Attorney and the Phoenix City Clerk each received a copy of a letter and related information regarding allegations of election law violation by a candidate for Phoenix City Council.

Under Arizona C...

Strangulation Program Honored with NACo Award

PHOENIX, AZ (June 13, 2013) – The National Association of Counties (NACo) has recognized Maricopa County with a 2013 Achievement Award in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety for a program that has led to dramatic improvements in t...

County Attorney Declines to File Charges Against Greg Winslow

PHOENIX, AZ (June 12, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced today that his office will not seek criminal charges against Greg John Winslow (D.O.B. 11/8/1974). Winslow, a former Arizona State University swim coach, was invest...

County Attorney’s Office Kicks Off “Safe Kids Summer” 2013

PHOENIX, AZ (May 30, 2013) – Children will learn useful tips on how to stay safe at home, in public, around the pool and on the internet at Safe Kids Summer 2013, a series of free events held at local shopping malls, public parks and community p...

County Attorney Comments on Outcome in State v. Jodi Ann Arias

PHOENIX, AZ (May 23, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement in response to the lack of a unanimous decision in the penalty phase of State v. Jodi Ann Arias:

“We appreciate the jury’s ...

County Attorney Comments on 20-Week Abortion Law Ruling

PHOENIX, AZ (May 21, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denying the Arizona legislature from prohibiting abor...

Marcos Rene Mendoza Faces Maximum Prison Sentence for 2nd Degree Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (May 17, 2013) – Marcos Rene Mendoza (D.O.B. 6/12/1986) is looking at a possible 27-year prison sentence for an argument over personal property that escalated to a fatal shooting. Maricopa County jurors found Mendoza guilty of 2^nd De...

David Wiggins Receives Life Sentence for Fatal DUI Collision

PHOENIX, AZ (May 13, 2013) – A drunk driver who led police on a high speed chase and collided with another vehicle, killing an 11 year-old boy, will spend 35 years to life in prison. David Glenn Wiggins (D.O.B. 4/20/1981) was found guilty last M...

County Attorney Comments on Verdict in State v. Jodi Ann Arias

PHOENIX, AZ (May 8, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement on today’s verdict in State v. Jodi Ann Arias:

“Today’s verdict closes the guilt phase of State v. Jodi Ann Arias. H...

Crisantos Moroyoqui-Yocupicio Sentenced for Chandler Homicide and Beheading

PHOENIX, AZ (May 8, 2013) – Crisantos Moroyoqui-Yocupicio (D.O.B. 10/27/1973) has been ordered to serve a term of 14 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for the 2010 stabbing death of Martin Alejandro Cota-Monroy, whose decapitated bo...

“Rock Burglar” Robert J. Neese Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence

PHOENIX, AZ (May 7, 2013) – A prolific thief who broke into homes by smashing doors and windows with a rock faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty today in the second of two criminal cases brought a...

Eric Coulter Receives Maximum Sentence for Manslaughter

PHOENIX, AZ (April 26, 2013) – The Honorable M. Scott McCoy today ordered Eric James Coulter (D.O.B. 10/30/1992) to serve the maximum term of 21-years in prison for fatally shooting his girlfriend with a rifle in 2011, an act he claimed was an a...

Bill Montgomery to Advocate for Federal Victims’ Rights Amendment

PHOENIX, AZ (April 23, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will mark this year’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by traveling to Washington D.C. to testify in favor of a bi-partisan proposal to ...

Dejuan Donaldson Sentenced for Multiple Child Sexual Assaults and Attempted Murder Conspiracy

PHOENIX, AZ (April 19, 2013) – The Honorable William Brotherton imposed a 51.5-year prison sentence today on a serial child sexual predator who also attempted to orchestrate the murder of the law enforcement officers responsible for bringing him...

Mike Ruben Alvarez Sentenced for Shooting Police Officers, Fleeing Injury Collision

PHOENIX, AZ (April 19, 2013) – A lengthy criminal career is effectively over today as the Honorable Joseph Kreamer ordered Mike Ruben Alvarez (D.O.B. 6/18/75) to serve a 63-year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections for shooting and inju...

Rodrigo Romero Sentenced to Life Plus 102 Years in Prison for 2006 Drive-by Shooting

PHOENIX, AZ (April 12, 2013) – Today the Honorable Joseph Kreamer sentenced Rodrigo Romero, Jr. (D.O.B. 1/10/87) to a prison term of natural life plus 102 years for killing a 19 year-old single mother in a 2006 drive-by shooting. Romero was foun...

County Attorney Puts Purveyors of Synthetic Drugs on Notice

PHOENIX, AZ (April 10, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement today regarding recent legislation banning synthetic drugs:

As of April 3, 2013, synthetic versions of marijuana and of ecstasy/cocaine are ban...

CALEA Accreditation Team Invites Public Comment

PHOENIX, AZ (April 5, 2013) - A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive in Phoenix on April 15, 2013 to examine all aspects of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) Inv...

George Sanders Sentenced to Two Years of Probation for Manslaughter

PHOENIX, AZ (March 29, 2013) – George Frazey Sanders (D.O.B. 3/24/1927) will serve two years of unsupervised probation for intentionally aiding his 81 year-old wife to commit suicide. The sentence imposed today by the Honorable John Dittsworth f...

County Attorney Hails Passage of Legislation to Fight Synthetic Drugs

PHOENIX, AZ (March 28, 2013) – County Attorney Bill Montgomery praises today’s passage of HB 2327 which effectively bans the specific chemical “backbone” used to make a variety of dangerous designer drugs commonly k...

Eric Coulter found Guilty of Manslaughter in Shooting Death of Monique Cota

PHOENIX, AZ (March 18, 2013) – A jury has found Eric James Coulter (D.O.B. 10/30/1992) guilty of Manslaughter for fatally shooting his girlfriend in the head with a military-style assault rifle, an act he claimed was an accident. He faces a poss...

Statement by County Attorney on Immigration Protests

PHOENIX, AZ (March 11, 2013) – County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement in response to today’s immigration protests:

“I support people exercising their First Amendment rights to peaceably assemble and p...

Jury Finds Brandon Roberts Guilty of First Degree Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (March 8, 2013) – After deliberating for less than two hours, a Maricopa County jury has found Brandon Martin Roberts (D.O.B. 8/7/1993) guilty of First Degree Murder for fatally shooting an elderly man who was taking an evening walk ...

Erik Grumpelt Receives 14-Year Sentence for Manslaughter

PHOENIX, AZ (March 1, 2013) – Erik Charles Grumpelt (D.O.B. 9/25/75) has been sentenced to a term of 14 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for recklessly causing the death of his girlfriend, Melinda Raya, in May of 2011. Grumpelt con...

Joel Orozco Sentenced to Death for 2001 Sexual Assault and Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (February 28, 2013) – After four days of deliberations, a Maricopa County jury has voted unanimously to sentence Joel Escalante Orozco (D.O.B. 1/30/1975) to death for violently killing a young mother in Phoenix in 2001. Orozco fled t...

County Attorney Comments on ICE Release of Illegal Immigrant Detainees

PHOENIX, AZ (February 27, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement on the decision by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to release several hundred immigrant detainees from deportation centers in Arizon...

PetSmart® Renews Partnership with County Attorney on K-9 Victim Support Program

PHOENIX, AZ (February 21, 2013) – Phoenix-based PetSmart, Inc., (NASDAQ: PETM), the largest specialty retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets, has renewed its commitment to provide financial and material support for the...

County Attorney Clarifies Details of Misdemeanor Investigation of Attorney General Tom Horne

PHOENIX, AZ (February 15, 2013) – In order to address questions regarding the decision to send the misdemeanor hit-and-run investigation involving Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne to the Phoenix Police Department and the circumstances surround...