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 Count...

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.

&...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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. 

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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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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,&...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

$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...

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...

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 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...

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 ...

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...

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.

“...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

“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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

Joseph Sandoval Sentenced to 87 Years for Attempted Murder and Assault of Police Officers

PHOENIX, AZ (February 15, 2013) – Joseph J. Sandoval (D.O.B. 8/21/85) will spend the rest of his life in prison for engaging in a lengthy gun battle with police in a Phoenix trailer park in 2011. Today, the Honorable Karen Potts sentenced Sandov...

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...

Silent Witness Reward Increased for Information on Sandra Johnson Shooting

PHOENIX, AZ (February 14, 2013) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery has doubled a cash reward offered for information leading to the arrest or indictment of anyone responsible for the fatal shooting of Sandra Johnson which took place on t...

Rodrigo Romero Found Guilty of Murder in 2006 Drive-by Shooting

PHOENIX, AZ (February 12, 2013) – Rodrigo Romero, Jr. (D.O.B. 1/10/87) has been found guilty of First Degree Murder and multiple other felonies for killing a 19 year-old single mother in a 2006 drive-by shooting. He faces a possible life term pl...

Victor Martinez Sentenced to 44 Years for Second Degree Murder, Child Abuse

PHOENIX, AZ (February 8, 2013) – A brutal killing of a young mother that occurred in front of her 2-and-a-half year-old daughter has resulted in an 44-year prison sentence for Victor Abraham Martinez, Jr. (D.O.B 1/12/86). Martinez was sentenced ...

Gary Billy Bivens Sentenced to 55 Years for 1981 Murder of Martha Winters

PHOENIX, AZ (January 17, 2013) – The Honorable Karen L. O’Connor today sentenced Gary Billy Bivens (D.O.B. 11/21/1958) to a 55-year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections for murdering 93 year-old Martha Winters, a crime that we...

Bill Montgomery Begins First Full Term as Maricopa County Attorney

PHOENIX, AZ (January 7, 2013) - Bill Montgomery was sworn in today to begin his first, full four-year term as the Maricopa County Attorney. After a whirlwind first two years, serving out the remainder of the previous elected County Attorney’s te...

Jasper Jay Stewart Sentenced to 18 Years for Carjacking and Armed Robbery

PHOENIX, AZ (December 19, 2012) – Jasper Jay Stewart (D.O.B. 12/16/79) has been sentenced to a term of 18 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections in connection with two separate incidents involving a carjacking and armed robbery. Stewart,...

Shaun Tonge to Serve 25 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery and Attempted Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (December 19, 2012) – An accused armed robber who later tried to orchestrate the murder of one of his victims has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his crimes. Shaun Tonge (D.O.B. 6/4/86) will also spend four years on probatio...

County Attorney Lauds Governor Brewer’s Appointment of Suzanne Cohen to Superior Court

PHOENIX, AZ (December 14, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery praises Governor Jan Brewer’s appointment of Deputy County Attorney Suzanne Cohen to the Maricopa County Superior Court. Cohen has successfully prosecuted numer...

Larry Lloyd Carver Convicted for 2006 Murder of Heather Quan

PHOENIX, AZ (December 14, 2012) - A Maricopa County Jury has found Larry Lloyd Carver (D.O.B. 12/1/52) guilty on multiple counts in connection with the 2006 murder of Heather M. Quan and the attempted murder of her boyfriend, Ryan T. Waller. He faces the ...

MCAO Public Records Requests Hit All-Time High in 2012

PHOENIX, AZ (December 12, 2012) – Responding to a surge in demand for information, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office handled more than 500 public records requests in 2012, nearly double the number processed the previous year. Reque...

Elizabeth Johnson Sentenced to 5 1/4 Years in “Baby Gabriel” Case

PHOENIX, AZ (December 7, 2012) – Elizabeth Joanne Johnson (D.O.B. 7/24/86) has been ordered to spend 5.25 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for crimes related to the disappearance of her eight month-old son, Gabriel Johnson, who has...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Scottsdale Shred-A-Thon, Prescription Drug Take-Back

PHOENIX, AZ (November 28, 2012) – Members of the public will be able to shred unneeded documents and safely destroy unused or expired prescription drugs at a free event on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Target, 9000 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsda...

Mario Chavez-Tavena Receives Multiple Life Sentences for Sexual Conduct with a Minor

PHOENIX, AZ (November 21, 2012) – Mario Chavez-Tavena (D.O.B. 3/23/86) will spend the rest of his life in prison for repeatedly raping and committing other sexual acts with his 10-year-old stepdaughter. Chavez-Tavena was convicted last July on f...

Michael Jakscht Sentenced to 26 Years for Fatal Dump Truck Collision with Motorcyclists

PHOENIX (November 16, 2012) – Michael John Jakscht (D.O.B. 7/4/63) has been ordered to spend 26 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for killing four people and injuring five others in a March 2010 collision with ten motorcyclists and ...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Phoenix Shred-A-Thon

PHOENIX, AZ (November 13, 2012) – Members of the public will be able to safely destroy unneeded documents containing personal information at a free event on Friday, November 16, 2012 at International Paper, 301 South 30^th Street, Phoenix 85034. ...

Qui Tu Truong Receives 36-Year Prison Sentence for Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault

PHOENIX, AZ (November 9, 2012) – The Honorable Susan Pineda today sentenced Qui Tu Truong (D.O.B. 11/10/83) to 36 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for a brutal attack that has prompted a call for stricter sentences for violent crim...

William Macumber Pleads No Contest to 1962 Double Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (November 7, 2012) - Convicted murderer William Wayne Macumber (D.O.B. 8/31/35) entered a plea of no contest today to two counts of second degree murder for the 1962 killings of Joyce Sterrenberg and her fiancé Timothy McKillop. Aft...

GOHS Grant Provides Specialized DUI Training for County Prosecutors

PHOENIX, AZ (November 1, 2012) – Vehicular crimes prosecutors in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will benefit from the latest techniques for investigating fatal and serious injury collisions involving drug impaired drivers thanks...

County Attorney Issues Statement on Foreign Observers of Arizona Elections

PHOENIX, AZ (October 26, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery reminds representatives of international organizations interested in observing upcoming state and federal elections in Arizona that they must comply with state statutes th...

Jury Finds George Jones Guilty of 1978 Westward Tavern Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (October 26, 2012) – A palm print on a beer bottle helped a Maricopa County jury find George Jones (D.O.B. 9/12/57) guilty of the murder of Duane “Bud” Gruette in a case that remained unsolved for 34 years. The mu...

Laveen Shred-A-Thon Helps Citizens Fight Identity Theft

PHOENIX, AZ (October 25, 2012) – 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 Tuesday, October 30^th at Fry&rs...

Jury Finds Joseluis Marquez Guilty of Murder and Robbery of Kyleigh Sousa

PHOENIX, AZ (October 22, 2012) – After less than a day of deliberation, a Maricopa County jury today found Joseluis Marquez (D.O.B. 3/17/90) guilty of murdering Kyleigh Sousa while stealing her purse. He faces the possibility of spending 25 year...

County Attorney Comments on Elizabeth Johnson Verdict

PHOENIX, AZ (October 19, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney William Montgomery issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s verdict in State v. Elizabeth Johnson:

“As I told the community when we embarked on the pro...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Peoria Shred-A-Thon, Prescription Drug Take-Back

PHOENIX, AZ (October 16, 2012) – 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 Thursday, October 25^th, 2012 at Hom...

MCAO Anti-Truancy Program Shows Early Success

PHOENIX, AZ (October 10, 2012) – A pilot program to reduce truancy in Maricopa County has produced impressive results for a local elementary school plagued by a high rate of absenteeism. Led by a team of volunteers from the Maricopa County Attor...

New Techniques Produce Continued Success in Prosecuting Strangulation Cases

PHOENIX, AZ (October 10, 2012) – Maricopa County prosecutors continue to see improvements in their ability to prosecute non-fatal strangulation cases, thanks to new investigatory techniques developed in partnership with local law enforcement age...

County Attorney Announces Civil Action against Horne and Winn for Campaign Finance Violations

PHOENIX, AZ (October 1, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is initiating a civil enforcement action against Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and Kathleen Winn, General Director of Community Outreach for the Attorney General&r...

County Attorney’s Office Joins DEA to Host Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

PHOENIX, AZ (September 26, 2012) – Volunteers from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will collect unused or unwanted medications from the public on Saturday, September 29^th as part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration&rs...

Charity Collins Named MADD Felony Prosecutor of the Year

PHOENIX, AZ (September 17, 2012) – Deputy County Attorney Charity Collins is the recipient of the 2012 Felony Prosecutor of the Year award presented by the Arizona State Organization of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Charity accepted the ...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Phoenix Shred-A-Thon, Prescription Drug Take-Back

PHOENIX, AZ (September 14, 2012) – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft and prescription drug abuse, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Shred-It will host a free Shred-A-Thon and Prescription Drug Take-Back...

Jerice Hunter Arrested and Charged with Murder and Child Abuse

PHOENIX, AZ (September 6, 2012) – Jerice Hunter (D.O.B.10/13/1973) is currently in custody facing criminal charges for the murder and abuse of her 5 year-old daughter, Jhessye Shockley, who has been missing since last October. Hunter’s...

National Geographic - Taboo

PRESS RELEASE BY ARIZONA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-TABOO

THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE AIRING OF A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SPECIAL ON ALCOHOL FEATURING ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT.

P...

Michael Crane Faces Death Penalty for Gaudet and Shapiro Murders

PHOENIX, AZ (August 29, 2012) - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Michael Lee Crane (D.O.B. 6/9/1980) if he is convicted for the murder of Bruce Gaudet or either of the murders of Law...

Marlon McCowan Found Guilty for Murder of Prison Inmate

PHOENIX, AZ (August 28, 2012) – Arizona Department of Corrections inmate Marlon C. McCowan (D.O.B. 12/1/1977) faces a possible life sentence after being found guilty yesterday for the 2010 murder of prison inmate Albert Tsosie. McCowan&rsquo...

William Null Receives Maximum Sentence for Second Degree Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (August 24, 2012) – A deadly family argument over a carton of cigarettes has resulted in a 22-year prison sentence for William Kenneth Null (D.O.B. 1/13/70). Judge Daniel Martin today sentenced Null to the maximum term for second deg...

County Attorney and Attorney General Seek Summary Judgment in Medical Marijuana Lawsuit

PHOENIX, AZ (August 23, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne are each filing separate motions for summary judgment in Superior Court today seeking to resolve conflicting issues raised by the Ari...

County Attorney Kicks Off “Friday Night Football Patrol” to Prevent Teen Substance Abuse

PHOENIX, AZ (August 22, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will kick off the second annual “Friday Night Football Patrol” at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa on August 24^th, 2012 to encourage teens to stay off d...

County Attorney Warns Against Fraudulent Collection Agencies Posing as MCAO

PHOENIX, AZ (August 22, 2012) – In response to multiple public complaints about fraudulent collection agencies, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today warned citizens not to respond to telephone solicitations and threats from individuals...

Michael Jakscht Found Guilty in Fatal Dump Truck Collision with Motorcyclists

PHOENIX (August 15, 2012) – After three days of deliberation, a Maricopa County jury has found Michael John Jakscht (D.O.B. 7/4/63) guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment for killing four people and injuring five others in a...

Michael Cerise Receives Jail Sentence for Pointing a Laser at Aircraft

PHOENIX, AZ (August 8, 2012) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Karen Potts today sentenced Michael Andrew Cerise (D.O.B. 8/2/65) to spend 90 days in jail followed by three years of supervised probation for pointing a laser at two commercial...

County Attorney Praises Passage of “Life Means Life” Law

PHOENIX, AZ (July 30, 2012) – Convicted murderers will now be required to serve longer prison sentences for certain first and second degree murder convictions thanks to changes to state sentencing statutes enacted in Arizona’s last legislative session. HB...

Cordell Lamar Jude Indicted for Murder of Daniel Adkins

PHOENIX, AZ (July 27, 2012) – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has charged Cordell Lamar Jude (D.O.B. 1/10/90) with one count of 2^nd degree murder for the April 2012 shooting death of Daniel Adkins. Jude was served with the indictment this morning. He will be...

County Attorney Comments on Attack on Police Officer by Unlawful Alien

PHOENIX, AZ (June 29, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement on the recent attack on a Phoenix Police Officer by a suspect who was in the United States illegally:

“On June 26, 2012, a Phoenix P...

County Attorney Comments on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on SB 1070

PHOENIX, AZ (June 25, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement today on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on SB 1070:

Earlier this month, the President played election year politics, pandering with...

Court Dismisses Lawsuit Filed by SB 1070 Protester

PHOENIX, AZ (June 22, 2012) - A federal court today granted Maricopa County’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by SB 1070 protester Sunita Patel. In a seven-page order, U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake ruled that Maricopa County ...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Shred-A-Thon to Help Prevent Identity Theft

PHOENIX, AZ (June 15, 2012) – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with Shred-It to offer a free Shred-A-Thon and Prescription Drug Take-Back on Thursday, June ...

Justin Lee Martin Sentenced to 125 Years in Prison for Multiple Home Invasions

PHOENIX, AZ (June 14, 2012) – Justin Lee Martin (D.O.B. 3/12/77) has been ordered to serve a 125 year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections for committing a series of home invasions with his uncle in the Town of Paradise Valley in 2009. ...

Victims of Gary Jay Karpin to Receive Restitution Payments

PHOENIX, AZ (June 13, 2012) – Victims of fraudulent divorce attorney Gary Jay Karpin will soon receive court ordered restitution payments for the economic losses they suffered as a result of his crimes. Karpin was found guilty in October 2008 on...

New Strategies Unveiled in Fight Against Domestic Violence Strangulations

PHOENIX, AZ (June 8, 2012) – A new approach to investigating cases of alleged strangulation in Maricopa County promises to greatly improve the ability to hold perpetrators accountable, according to the results of a pilot program released today. ...

Bank Branch Manager Indicted for Concealing Missing Funds

PHOENIX, AZ (May 31, 2012) – A former Wells Fargo branch manager in Phoenix has been arrested and charged with making fraudulent computer entries and altering documents to conceal more than $1.7 million in missing funds. Following her arrest, Li...

Technology Grant Allows County Prosecutors to Go Mobile and Paperless

PHOENIX, AZ (May 29, 2012) – Prosecutors in the Vehicular Crimes Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will soon be using laptop and tablet computers to improve the overall quality of trial presentations, thanks to a grant fr...

Jury Finds Nadia Bashir Guilty in Drowning Death of Her Four Year-Old Child

PHOENIX, AZ (May 23, 2012) – After a nine-day trial and less than a day of deliberations, a Maricopa County jury has found Nadia Bashir (D.O.B. 9/26/66) guilty of negligent homicide and child abuse in connection with the 2009 drowning death of h...

County Attorney Comments on Tammi Peters Smith Verdicts

In response to today’s guilty verdicts in State v. Tammi Peters Smith, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery released the following statement:

“Today’s verdicts are just the latest step in our efforts to seek justice for Ga...

Law Enforcement Agencies Partner with Major Retailers to Combat Organized Retail Crime

PHOENIX, AZ (May 17, 2012) – Major retailers in Arizona are teaming up with local law enforcement agencies on a new strategy to fight organized retail crime. Using a secure website developed by the Arizona Organized Retail Crime Alliance (AZORCA...

Bank and Armored Car Robber Sentenced to 42 Years in Prison

PHOENIX, AZ (May 11, 2012) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Robert Gottsfield today sentenced Stephen Bernard Young (D.O.B. 9/17/59) to a 42-year term in the Arizona Department of Corrections for a string of bank and armored car robberies ...

Serial Identity Thief Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

PHOENIX, AZ (May 10, 2012) – A long history of fraud, forgery and theft finally caught up with Gerald Calmese (D.O.B. 1/7/67) when Judge Daniel G. Martin sentenced him to serve a term of 30 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for stea...

DNA Match Leads to 10-Year Sentence for Cold Case Rapist

PHOENIX, AZ (May 1, 2012) – Wilyie Louis McCarty (D.O.B. 9/28/81) will spend 10 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for three sexual assaults that took place in 1996 and 1997. He will remain on lifetime probation under sexual offender...

Fugitive Child Molester Receives 240 Year Prison Sentence

PHOENIX, AZ (April 30, 2012) – A decade after his conviction, Steven William Dyer (D.O.B. 4/7/67) has been sentenced to serve 240 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for sexually assaulting two young boys in 2000 and 2001. Dyer fled t...

David Roy Eidson Sentenced to 24.5 Years in Prison for 2010 Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (April 30, 2012) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Susanna Pineda has sentenced David Roy Eidson (D.O.B. 10/18/61) to a term of 24.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for murdering David Wile in 2010 and concealing ...

Anthony Dose Receives Life Sentence for Fatal Car Chase

PHOENIX, AZ (April 23, 2012) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Susanna Pineda has sentenced Anthony Robert Dose (D.O.B. 8/1/85) to spend the rest of his life in prison for killing a motorist with his car while attempting to flee Mesa police...

PetSmart® Partners with County Attorney on K-9 Victim Support Program

PHOENIX, AZ (April 23, 2012) – Phoenix-based PetSmart, Inc., (NASDAQ: PETM) the largest specialty retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets, is now the official corporate partner for the Maricopa County Attorney&rsquo...

Arizona Commemorates 2012 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 22 – 28

PHOENIX, AZ (April 23, 2012) – In honor of crime victims and in celebration of the progress in advancing their rights, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer proclaims April 22-28 to be Arizona Crime Victims’ Rights Week, joining a nationwide eff...

County Attorney to Participate in Pat’s Run to Honor Military Veterans and their Families

PHOENIX, AZ (April 20, 2012) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will trade his suit and tie for running gear to participate in Pat’s Run on Saturday April 21, 2012. Held annually at Arizona State University’s Sun Devi...

Joe Sauceda Gallegos Receives Two Life Sentences for 2008 Murders of Two Children

PHOENIX, AZ (April 4, 2012) - Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Warren Granville today sentenced Joe Sauceda Gallegos (D.O.B. 4/19/72) to two natural life terms in the Arizona Department of Corrections for brutally beating two young boys to death in 20...

David Mark Buot Receives 22-Year Prison Sentence for Vehicular Homicide

PHOENIX, AZ (March 27, 2012) - David Mark Buot (D.O.B. 5/12/68) has been sentenced by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Robert Miles to a term of 22 calendar years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for deliberately driving his car into oncoming ...

Brandon Keith Jones Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Child Molestation

PHOENIX, AZ (March 22, 2012) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Lisa Flores today sentenced Brandon Keith Jones (D.O.B. 7/20/84) to 35 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for repeatedly molesting his nephew and two other children,...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Peoria Shred-A-Thon to Help Prevent Identity Theft

PHOENIX, AZ (March 20, 2012) – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with Shred-It to offer a free Shred-A-Thon on Thursday, March 29^th, 2012 at Westbrook Villag...

County Attorney Comments on Possible Move of California Pornographic Film Production to Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ (March 13, 2012) - In light of recent reports of the possibility of individuals engaged in the production of pornography moving to Arizona from California, the Maricopa County Attorney issued the following statement:

Under Arizona law, anyone p...

MCAO Holds Sunnyslope “Spring Cleaning” Event - Shredding, Electronics Recycling & Rx Drug Turn-In

PHOENIX, AZ (March 7, 2012) – Members of the public will be able to shred documents, recycle electronic devices and turn in unneeded prescription drugs at a free event on Wednesday, March 14^th, 2012 in front of Marketplace At Central Plaza, 115 ...

Miguel Sanchez Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2009 Murder of Paul Kapitz

PHOENIX, AZ (March 2, 2012) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Douglas Rayes has sentenced Miguel Angel Sanchez (D.O.B. 2/20/85) to spend the rest of his life in prison for robbing and murdering Paul Kaptiz in 2009. Sanchez avoided a possibl...

Nathan Wayne King Sentenced for 2008 Double Homicide

PHOENIX, AZ (March 1, 2012) - Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Roger Brodman has sentenced Nathan Wayne King (D.O.B. 2/18/80) to serve two concurrent thirteen-year prison terms for the 2008 murders of Shaun T. Naylor and Gregory S. Mitchell. King agre...

County Attorney to Participate in SAAA 2012 Ethics Forum

PHOENIX, AZ (February 28, 2012) - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will participate in the Service Academy Alumni of Arizona (SAAA) 2012 Ethics Forum, which will be held on March 2^nd, 2012 at the East Valley institute of Technology. This annual ev...

Henry Eric Young Receives 21 Year Prison Sentence for Attempted Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (February 27, 2012) – Henry Eric Young (DOB 11/4/69) is ordered to spend the next two decades in prison for brutally beating and nearly killing 81 year-old Gene Fitzsimmons. Judge Susan Brnovich sentenced Young today to serve 15 year...

County Attorney Announces “My Message” Video Contest to Combat Teen Substance Abuse

PHOENIX, AZ (February 21, 2012) - Calling all student filmmakers! The Maricopa County Attorney invites you to enter the “My Message” video contest for a chance to win a new Apple MacBook^® Pro and $500 in Apple merchandise. Open...

County Attorney Praises Ban on “Bath Salts”

PHOENIX, AZ (February 17, 2012) - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery applauds Governor Jan Brewer for signing House Bill 2356, which outlaws a category of over-the-counter drugs commonly known as “bath salts.” Sponsored by Repres...

Jury Finds Haider Abdullah Guilty of 2009 Double Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (February 16, 2012) – After three days of deliberations, a Maricopa County Jury has found Haider Abdullah (D.O.B. 2/25/70) guilty of two counts of First Degree Murder for the 2009 shooting deaths of Ayad Mizel and Mohammad Mzeal. Abd...

Michael Lee Crane, Six Others Indicted for Phoenix, Paradise Valley Arson-Homicides

PHOENIX, AZ (February 15, 2012) – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has charged Michael Lee Crane (D.O.B. 6/9/80) with two counts of First Degree Murder for causing the January 30^th, 2012 deaths of Lawrence and Glenna Shapiro. The same 15-count indic...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Gilbert Shred-A-Thon to Help Prevent Identity Theft

PHOENIX, AZ (February 13, 2012) – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with Shred-It to offer a free Shred-A-Thon on Thursday, February 16^th, 2012 at Sam&rs...

Guilty Verdicts for Former Police Officer Turned Bank Robber

PHOENIX, AZ (February 2, 2012) – Chad Michael Goulding (D.O.B. 9/30/1970) has been found guilty on multiple counts of armed robbery, theft and kidnapping in connection with a string of bank robberies that took place during a five month period in...

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...

County Attorney Seeks Death Penalty in Ame Deal Murder Case

PHOENIX, AZ (January 23, 2012) - The Maricopa County Attorney will seek the death penalty against John “Bud” Allen (D.O.B. 7/19/88) and Samantha Allen (D.O.B. 6/14/88), both of whom are accused of murdering 10 year-old Ame Deal by lock...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Glendale Shred-A-Thon to Help Prevent Identity Theft

PHOENIX, AZ (January 19, 2012) – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with Shred-It to offer a free Shred-A-Thon on Tuesday, January 24^th, 2012 in front of Cabe...

Unique Partnership Turns “Crack House” into Dream House

PHOENIX, AZ (January 17, 2012) - The Alvarado family of Phoenix will get the keys to a beautiful new, environmentally-friendly home today, built on the site of a house that had been a magnet for criminal activity and an eyesore to the neighborhood. At a c...

Landmark Study Underscores Success of Arizona’s Sentencing Laws

PHOENIX, AZ (January 5, 2012) – Arizona has prevented more than a million crimes since 1994 by incarcerating its most dangerous criminals, according to a major research study released today. Titled Prisoners in Arizona: Truth-in-Sentencing, Time...

County Attorney Concludes Fiesta Bowl Probe, Issues Recommendations

PHOENIX, AZ (December 21, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced the conclusion of an 8-month criminal investigation into whether public officials illegally accepted or failed to report gifts from members of the Fiesta Bowl o...

County Attorney Responds to DOJ, ICE on Sheriff’s Office Investigation

PHOENIX, AZ (December 16, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is asking the U.S. Department of Justice for additional information from its Civil Rights Division regarding any alleged civil rights violations by the Maricopa County Sh...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Scottsdale Shred-A-Thon to Help Prevent Identity Theft

(PHOENIX, AZ) December 6, 2011 – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with the Scottsdale Police Department, Salt River Police Department and the Shred-It compa...

Mark Goudeau Sentenced to Death for Multiple Murders

PHOENIX, AZ (November 30, 2011) – A Maricopa County Jury today sentenced Mark Goudeau to death for nine murders committed during a nearly year-long crime spree that also involved multiple kidnappings, armed robberies and violent assaults. The se...

Jeffrey Herald Receives 16-Year Prison Sentence for Fraud

PHOENIX, AZ (November 21, 2011) – A lifelong fraud artist will spend the next 16 years in prison according to a sentence handed down by Judge Warren Granville. Jeffrey Allen Herald (D.O.B. 6/26/58) pled guilty to five class 2 felony counts of Fr...

Arizona Child Safety Task Force Chairman Seeks Input from the Public

PHOENIX, AZ (November 15, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, who serves as Chairman of The Arizona Child Safety Task Force, is asking members of the public to provide input on Arizona’s Child Protection System, including...

Jeffrey Martinson Found Guilty of Murder and Child Abuse

PHOENIX, AZ (November 15, 2011) – After five days of deliberation, a Maricopa County jury has found Jeffrey R. Martinson (D.O.B. 11/12/1966) guilty of abusing and murdering his five year-old son, Joshua Eberle Martinson in 2004. The jury will no...

Guadalupe Garcia-Corral Found Guilty of Human Smuggling

PHOENIX, AZ (November 4, 2011) – An attempt to smuggle eight illegal aliens into Arizona has resulted in a guilty verdict for Guadalupe Garcia-Corral (D.O.B. 1/8/72), who was apprehended while driving the group to Flagstaff earlier this year. He...

County Attorney Comments on Redistricting Case

PHOENIX, AZ (October 28, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery confirms his office will pursue the case against the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission following today’s Superior Court ruling disqualifying the Attor...

County Attorney Partners With DEA on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

PHOENIX, AZ (October 24, 2011) – On Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. members of the public will have an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by dropping off potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs...

Former Sheriff’s Detention Officer Sentenced to Jail, Probation for Inmate Assaults

PHOENIX , AZ (October 21, 2011) – Judge William Brotherton sentenced Kevin Gerster (D.O.B. 10/23/75) today to serve one year in jail followed by two years of supervised probation for assaulting two inmates and illegally accessing and sharing cri...

Graffiti Tagger “Shaggy” Faces Criminal Damage Charges

PHOENIX, AZ (October 12, 2011) – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has charged Daniel Alexander Lopez (D.O.B. 5/13/1993) with one class 6 felony count of Aggravated Criminal Damage and one class 5 felony count of Criminal Damage for allegedly committ...

County Attorney Names John W. Gillis Chief of MCAO Victim Services Division

PHOENIX, AZ (October 3, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced the appointment of noted victims’ rights advocate John W. Gillis as the new Chief of the County Attorney’s Victim Services Division. Gil...

Top “Tagger” in Phoenix Receives Maximum Prison Sentence

PHOENIX, AZ (September 21, 2011) – His spray-painted moniker, “MAWD,” defaced at least 300 structures throughout the Phoenix metro area, making William Barajas (DOB: 3/10/91) the city’s #1 graffiti vandal -- and ear...

Scottsdale Fraud Ring Members Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences

PHOENIX, AZ (September 20, 2011) – Nine members of a criminal syndicate uncovered by Scottsdale Police and convicted of trafficking in stolen identities will spend a total of more than 107 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. The grou...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Announces Fall Shred-A-Thons to Help Prevent Identity Theft

(PHOENIX, AZ) September 14, 2011 – As part of its ongoing commitment to combat identity theft, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is partnering with the Shred-It company to offer a series of Shred-A-Thons throughout the Valley where...

Multi-Agency Investigation Shuts Down Organized Retail Shoplifting Operation

PHOENIX, AZ (September 14, 2011) An organized group of retail rip-off crews that targeted major shopping malls, outlet stores and strip centers throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area is now out of operation, thanks to a cooperative enforcement action by...

Jesus Briseno Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Killing 2 and Injuring 5 in 2009 DUI Crash

PHOENIX, AZ (September 13, 2011) - Jesus Briseno (DOB: 8/7/1982) is on his way to the Arizona Department of Corrections for 30 years for causing a September 5, 2009 collision that killed two near the 3500 block of West Grand Avenue.

Briseno was driving a C...

Phoenix Goddess Temple Founder and Employees Face Prostitution Charges

PHOENIX, AZ (September 8, 2011) – A six-month investigation by Phoenix Police has resulted in the arrest and indictment of 18 individuals connected to the Phoenix Goddess Temple, a suspected house of prostitution operating under the pretense of ...

William Craig Miller Guilty on All Counts in Murder of Mesa Family

PHOENIX, AZ (August 29, 2011) – It took a jury less than three hours to reach guilty verdicts today in the trial of William Craig Miller (D.O.B 3/24/77), accused of murdering five family members in Mesa in an apparent effort to eliminate witness...

Child Molester Sentenced to 347.5 Years in Prison

PHOENIX, AZ (August 26, 2011) - James Stark (DOB 4/12/1953) was sentenced today to 7-consecutive life sentences to be followed by an additional 102.5 years in prison.

The Buckeye Police Department investigation led by Det. Joseph Kirby indicated defendant ...

Robert Timothy Jones sentenced to 50-years

Attempted to Murder Estranged Wife in Front of 12-year old Daughter

PHOENIX, AZ (August 26, 2011) - Robert T. Jones, (DOB: 11/13/1973) tried to shoot the victim in the head 3-times while telling the 12-year old daughter “this is what your mom get...

County Attorney will retry Michael Jakscht

PHOENIX, AZ (August 25, 2011) - Last week a Maricopa County Superior Court declared a mistrial in the case of State v. Michael Jakscht after a jury was unable to reach a verdict.

This week, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery met with prosecutors to r...

County Attorney Kicks Off Drug Abuse Prevention Campaign at High School Football Games

Friday Night Football Patrol Tells Teens: You Use, You Lose

PHOENIX, AZ (August 22, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery will encourage teenagers to sign a pledge to stay drug-free as part of an extensive public awareness campaign kno...

Mother and Boyfriend Indicted for near drowning of 11 month old boy

A Maricopa County Grand Jury has indicted 23-year old Summer Dawn Angelly and her boyfriend 28 year old Jasen C. Anchondo in connection with the near drowning of 11-month old Jay Anchondo on August 5^th.

Angelly and Anchondo are charged with one count each ...

Charges dropped against suspect in connection with a February shooting outside a Chandler club

On February 12, 2011 a gunman shot and killed 19-year old Sir Xavier Brooks at the Leonardo’s Da Vinci Code club in Chandler. The shooting took place in the midst of a fight outside the club.

Orlando Nembhard was arrested and later charged with t...

Jury Finds Brittany Williams Guilty of Second Degree Murder After Retrial

PHOENIX, AZ (August 16, 2011) – After two trials, a jury today found Brittany J. Williams (D.O.B. 12/31/85) guilty of second degree murder for dumping her newborn infant into a trash bin last year and allowing the child to die. She faces a possi...

Berry Williams Found Guilty of Murder in Fatal Car Crash

February 2010 Vehicular Homicide Killed ASU Student

PHOENIX, AZ (August 15, 2011) - What began as a midnight beer run last year ended minutes later in a car crash that killed 27 year-old Abel Abebe, an Arizona State University Pharmacy student.

Last week, a...

Four Adult Relatives Indicted in Death of 10 year-old Ame Deal

PHOENIX, AZ (August 10, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announces the indictment of four adult relatives of 10 year-old Ame Deal, who died after being locked inside a plastic storage box. Named in a Maricopa County Grand Jury in...

County Attorney Seeks Death Penalty in Murder of 4 year-old Annie Carimbocas

PHOENIX, AZ (August 10, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery says his office will seek the death penalty against Jose Luis Gonzalez-Dominguez (D.O.B. 2/27/90), who faces First Degree Murder and felony Child Abuse charges for the deat...

“Poison Ivy” Fraud Ring Indicted in Money Laundering Scheme

PHOENIX, AZ (July 29, 2011) – Six individuals are facing multiple felony charges including fraud, identity theft, computer tampering and money laundering for allegedly stealing financial information from unsuspecting customers at TruWest Credit ...

Ford Motor Company Fined for Unpermitted Construction at Wittmann Proving Grounds

PHOENIX, AZ (July 28, 2011) – The Civil Services Division of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announces that Ford Motor Company has paid a $225,000 penalty for illegally constructing a test track at its Arizona Proving Grounds in ...

County Attorney’s Office Secures Over $1 Million in Restitution for Victims of Bad Checks

PHOENIX, AZ (July 27, 2011) – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has successfully recovered more than a million dollars in restitution from bad check writers in the last 12 months. These funds were obtained by the County Attorney&am...

County Attorney Clarifies Status of Case Involving Airport TSA Agent

PHOENIX, AZ (July 19, 2011) - Contrary to media reports, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has not charged Yukari Miyamae with any offense in connection with a recent incident involving a TSA agent at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. After initia...

Maricopa County to Join Federal Lawsuit over Arizona Medical Marijuana Act

PHOENIX, AZ (July 14, 2011) - The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors today approved a motion authorizing County Attorney Bill Montgomery to intervene as co-plaintiffs in the State of Arizona’s recently filed federal lawsuit seeking a declarato...

Gary Kelley Sentenced To 27.5 Years For A 2010 Racially Charged Incident

(PHOENIX, AZ) July 6, 2011 – Gary Thomas Kelley, 51 ( DOB: 08/16/1959 ) has been sentenced for the Second Degree Murder of a neighbor Juan Varela and Aggravated Assault on Juan’s brother Antonio.

The incident took place on May 6^th, 2010...

Justin Lunsford Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for 2008 Murder of Mary Polgar

PHOENIX, AZ (June 30, 2011) – Justin Wade Lunsford (D.O.B. 11/30/81) will spend the next 23 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for brutally murdering Mary Polgar in 2008 and setting her residence and vehicle on fire in an attempt to ...

Qadir Al-Amin Sentenced to 142 Years in Prison for 2008 Murder of 16-year old Melissa Vigil

PHOENIX, AZ (June 27, 2011) – Judge Daniel G. Martin today sentenced Qadir Al-Amin, a.k.a. Rudolpho Dominguez Osorio (D.O.B. 7/2/1979), to 142 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for the 2008 murder of Melissa Vigil. She was killed on...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Honored for Crime Victim Location and Restitution Program

More than $1,000,000 Paid to Victims by Clerk of Superior Court

(PHOENIX, AZ) June 22, 2010 – The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office a 2011 NACo Achievement Award for its Crime Vict...

Multi-Agency Probe Shuts Down Major Arizona Gang Operation

PHOENIX, AZ (June 7, 2011) – A successful multi-agency investigation initiated by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office resulted today in the arrest and indictment of more than sixty (60) Arizona prison and jail gang members on multiple felony criminal cha...

Citizen Safety Forum Offers Crime Prevention Strategies for East Valley Residents

PHOENIX, AZ (June 1, 2011) – Drug abuse, child abduction and identity theft are just three of the serious crimes people will learn how to prevent at the upcoming 2011 Citizen Safety Forum & Expo in Mesa. Presented by the Maricopa County Atto...

County Attorney Issues Legal Opinion on Medical Marijuana Act Implementation

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued a formal opinion to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors today advising the Board to refrain from taking steps to implement Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Act until an apparent conflict with feder...

“Exoneration” Effort Links Convicted Sex Offender to Cold Case

PHOENIX, AZ (May 18, 2011) – An effort to prove the innocence of convicted sex offender Timothy Roosevelt Boles (DOB 6/29/59) has instead confirmed his guilt and linked him to a previously unsolved case of child sexual abuse from 1991. Boles, wh...

Prolific Phoenix Graffiti Tagger Indicted For Criminal Damage

PHOENIX, AZ (May 16, 2011) – William Barajas (DOB 3/10/1991) has been arrested by Phoenix Police and charged with one class 4 felony count of aggravated criminal damage and one class 5 aggregated count of criminal damage for numerous graffiti cr...

Deputy County Attorney Erin Otis Honored by Streetlight Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ (May 12, 2011) – Erin Otis, a prosecutor in the Sex Crimes Bureau of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, has been honored with the second annual Paladin Award by Streetlight Phoenix, a residential treatment facility for ...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and ABC 15 Host Shred-A-Thon To Help Prevent Identity Theft

(PHOENIX, AZ) May 9, 2011 – Valley residents can protect themselves from identity thieves by destroying canceled checks, old tax returns and other unneeded financial documents at a free, daylong Shred-A-Thon hosted by ABC 15 and the Maricopa Cou...

Citizen Safety Forums Offer Crime Prevention Strategies for Valley Residents

Drug abuse, child abduction and identity theft are just three of the serious crimes people will learn how to prevent at the 2011 Citizen Safety Forum & Expo.

In addition to classes on protecting yourself from violent crime and property crime, the Citiz...

Joseph Viola Sentenced to Over 30 Years in Prison for Investment Fraud

PHOENIX, AZ (May 4, 2011) - Joseph John Viola (DOB: 5/2/1951) has been sentenced by Superior Court Judge Daniel G. Martin to serve 36 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for engaging in fraudulent schemes (CR90-010323). The sentence was lengthy...

Stanley Torgerson Indicted for Defrauding Multiple Customers in Car Sales Scheme

PHOENIX, AZ (May 3, 2011) – A Maricopa County Grand Jury has charged Stanley Dean Torgerson with multiple counts of fraud and theft for selling vehicles for customers and failing to give them the proceeds. Torgerson, who owns International Car A...

New Law Protects Public From Mentally Ill Criminals

Passage caps successful legislative agenda for County Attorney’s Office

PHOENIX, AZ (April 27, 2011) - Criminal defendants with mental illness in Arizona will no longer be able to slip unnoticed back into the community thanks to a recently passed...

Christopher Benitez Found Guilty of Negligent Homicide, Arson

PHOENIX, AZ (April 25, 2011) – A jury today found Christopher Benitez (DOB 5/5/83) guilty of one count of negligent homicide, one count of arson of an occupied structure and one count of arson of a structure or property in connection with a 2001...

Faleh Hassan Almaleki Receives 34-year Sentence for Murder, Aggravated Assault

PHOENIX, AZ (April 15, 2011) – Judge Roland J. Steinle today sentenced Faleh Hassan Almaleki (DOB 1/1/1961) to serve 34½ years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for killing his daughter, Noor Almaleki, and seriously injuring Am...

New Law Helps County Attorney Take Out Human Smuggling Operators

PHOENIX, AZ (April 11, 2011) – Recently approved legislation that substantially toughens penalties for organizers of major human smuggling rings will have a significant impact on efforts to shut down these criminal operations, according to Maric...

County Attorney Praises Tougher Laws Against Child Sexual Predators

PHOENIX, AZ (April 8, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery hailed the recent passage of two pieces of legislation that strengthen existing laws against people who sexually exploit children. HB 2438, sponsored by State Representative ...

Christopher Robert Youngs Found Guilty of Child Pornography

PHOENIX, AZ (April 7, 2011) – A jury has found Christopher Robert Youngs (DOB 8/4/1949) guilty on ten class 2 felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in connection with a planned cross-country spree of sadistic sexual acts against childr...

Daniel Gukeisen Found Guilty of Manslaughter in 2008 Stabbing

MEDIA RELEASE BY THE TEMPE POLICE DEPARTMENT

After a nearly three week trial, 39 year old Daniel Gukeisen was found guilty of Manslaughter in the vicious stabbing death of 22 year old Garrett Hohn.

On September 26^th, 2008 at approximately 2:00 AM, the Tempe...

Jesus Lopez-Moreno Sentenced to 134 Years in Prison for Home Invasion, Rape and Aggravated Assault

PHOENIX, AZ (April 6, 2011) – Judge Sally Duncan Schneider has sentenced Jesus Lopez-Moreno (DOB 11/13/86) to a total of 134 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for committing a violent home invasion, robbery and rape, as well as an a...

Diane Habener Found Guilty of Animal Cruelty

PHOENIX, AZ (March 31, 2011) – Judge Janet E. Barton has found Diane Lynn Habener (DOB 12/31/47) guilty on nine counts of animal cruelty in connection with a pet adoption business she operated out of two residences in Phoenix. Habener, owner of ...

Court Dismisses Complaint Against County Schools Superintendent

PHOENIX, AZ (March 30, 2011) - Superior Court Judge John R. Hannah today dismissed a complaint accusing Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Donald Covey of illegally cancelling a special election to fill a vacant board seat on the Peoria Unified Sch...

Maricopa County Supervisors Return Civil Litigation Functions to County Attorney’s Office

PHOENIX, AZ (March 30, 2011) – The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors today approved the creation of a new Civil Services Division within the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office by transferring to the County Attorney the resources and ...

County Attorney Applauds Strong Support for Victims’ Rights by the City of Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ (March 29, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery commends the ongoing efforts by the City of Phoenix to ensure that victims of crime are accorded the dignity, respect and services to which they are entitled under Arizona&a...

Steven Jo Landrum Sentenced to 11-Year Prison Term for Vehicular Manslaughter

PHOENIX, AZ (March 25, 2011) – Judge Michael Kemp today sentenced Steven Jo Landrum (DOB 9/20/1986) to spend 11 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for causing an auto accident while driving under the influence of alcohol which result...

Three Adults Indicted in Death of 2 Year-Old Juanita Buelna

PHOENIX, AZ (March 23, 2011) - Humelio Dominguez-Vazquez (DOB 5/25/1977), Christopher Joseph Lopez (DOB 9/9/1973) and Juanita Trevino Rodriguez (3/2/1967) have been charged with multiple felony counts of child abuse in connection with the death of Juanita...

Jeremias Aguilar Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Homicide

PHOENIX, AZ (March 18, 2011) – Jeremias Joel Aguilar (DOB 2/26/1988) was sentenced today by Judge Robert Gottsfield to serve 25 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for the homicide of 2½ year-old Selena Talevera who died fr...

Josef Arvallo to Spend Life in Prison for Two Premeditated Murders

PHOENIX, AZ (March 14, 2011) – Judge Robert Gottsfield has imposed two consecutive natural life prison terms on Josef Alexander Arvallo (DOB 6/18/82) for the murders of Steven Leonard and Samuel Hixon. After a hung jury in December 2008, Arvallo...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Offers Free Service to Victims of Bad Checks

A Bad Check Doesn’t Have to Mean Bad News

PHOENIX, AZ (March 9, 2011) – It is a crime in Arizona to knowingly write a bad check, and it is one of the many ways thieves attempt to make a dishonest living. Fortunately, there is a place vi...

DNA Links Former Convict to Three Unsolved Sex Crime Cases

PHOENIX, AZ (March 2, 2011) – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced the indictment of Wylie McCarty (DOB 9/28/81) in connection with three previously unsolved sex crimes that took place in 1996 and 1997. McCarty was identified...

Local and Federal Authorities Shut Down Major Organized Retail Crime Syndicate

PHOENIX, AZ (February 25, 2011) - The Scottsdale Police Department, working with fraud investigators from eBay, Home Depot and Walmart, along with several other members of the Arizona Electronic Crimes Task Force, including the Maricopa County Attorney&am...

Justin Sobolik Found Guilty of Child Abuse, First Degree Murder

PHOENIX, AZ (February 18, 2011) – Judge Susanna Pineda today found Justin Richard Sobolik (DOB 12/24/81) guilty of one felony count of child abuse and one felony count of first degree murder in connection with the death of 7-month old Logan Balk...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Honored by MADD

PHOENIX, AZ (February 17, 2011) – Three prosecutors in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office have been honored by the Arizona chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their success in prosecuting individuals charged with dri...

Serial Drunk Driver Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

PHOENIX, AZ (February 15, 2011) – Jack Mizer (DOB 2/5/1953) has been sentenced to serve two consecutive 10-year terms in the Arizona Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to two cases involving four felony counts of driving under the i...

Former Sex Offender Counselor Sentenced for Child Sex Crimes

PHOENIX, AZ (February 11, 2011) – Judge Paul McMurdie today sentenced William Lewis Riedel (DOB 5/19/1964) to serve 35 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections followed by lifetime probation for multiple sex crimes involving the 13 year-ol...

Former Phoenix Police Officer Receives 1½-Year Prison Sentence for Drug Dealer Shakedowns

PHOENIX, AZ (January 28, 2011) – James Michael Wren (DOB 3/23/87) will serve one-and-a-half years in the Arizona Department of Corrections for attempting to steal thousands of dollars in cash from an undercover police officer posing as a drug de...

Arizona Legislature Moves to Criminalize “Synthetic Cannabis”

PHOENIX, AZ (January 20, 2011) – A commercially available drug that mimics the active ingredient in marijuana will be illegal in Arizona under a proposed law sponsored by State Representative Amanda Reeve (R – LD6). The drug is sprayed...

Proposed Legislation Takes Aim at Human Smuggling Operators

PHOENIX, AZ (January 19, 2011) – State Representative Ted Vogt (R – LD30) has proposed legislation that substantially toughens penalties for organizers of major human smuggling rings. Under current law, an operator of multiple “drop houses” faces the same...

Dusty Roe Curry Receives 12-Year Prison Sentence for Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

PHOENIX, AZ (January 13, 2011) – Dusty Roe Curry (DOB 2/19/1973) will serve multiple prison sentences for kidnapping and robbing a victim at gunpoint. Curry was sentenced Wednesday by Judge Daniel Martin to serve 12 years in the Arizona Departme...

Maricopa County Attorney Disputes Negative Characterizations of Arizona in Wake of Tucson Shootings

PHOENIX, AZ (January 10, 2011) - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery issued the following statement today:

The tragic shootings in Tucson this past weekend have prompted understandable outrage and strong emotions. Nonetheless, it is a gross disservice...

Mandatory sentencing is working for Arizona

The following Opinion piece appeared in The Arizona Republic on December 28, 2010 with the following signatories:

Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County AttorneyDaisy Flores, Gila County AttorneySheila Polk, Yavapai County AttorneyCarlyon, Navajo County Attorney...

Framework Established for General Litigation Department and County Attorney Civil Division to Merge

PHOENIX, AZ (December 17, 2010) - County Attorney Bill Montgomery and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement on an appropriate framework for promptly resolving the conflicts of interest created...

County Attorney’s Investigations Division Earns Flagship Agency Distinction

PHOENIX, AZ (December 16, 2010) – Thanks to excellent policy development and flawless file maintenance, the Investigations Division of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been named a Flagship Agency by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforc...

Jacob Israel Randles Convicted of Sexual Assault, Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault

PHOENIX, AZ (December 14, 2010) – Defendant Jacob Israel Randles (DOB 3/3/1976) has been found guilty on all twelve felony counts in connection with two violent incidents involving sexual assault and kidnapping. He faces a minimum prison sentence of 94 ½ ...

Jorge Alberto Busso Jr. Indicted for First Degree Murder, Felony Child Abuse

PHOENIX, AZ (December 13, 2010) – Jorge Alberto Busso Jr. (DOB 6/1/1987) has been charged with first degree murder and three counts of felony child abuse in connection with the death of four year-old Ramon Alejandro Haro Colin. Busso, who is in the countr...

Former MCSO Detention Officer Charged With Assault, Computer Tampering

PHOENIX, AZ (December 10, 2010) – Former Maricopa County Sheriff’s Detention Officer Kevin Michael Gerster (DOB 10/23/1975) has been charged with a total of five counts of aggravated assault and two counts of computer tampering in connection with three di...

Former Phoenix Police Officer Charged in Multiple Bank Robberies

PHOENIX, AZ (December 9, 2010) – Former Phoenix Police Officer Chad Michael Goulding (DOB 9/30/1970) has been arrested and charged with carrying out five Phoenix area bank robberies during a five month period in 2006. Goulding, who left the Phoenix Police...

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Locates Crime Victims Entitled to Restitution

More than $500,000 Paid to Victims by Clerk of Superior Court

(PHOENIX, AZ) December 2, 2010 – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced today that its Investigations Division has located 1,759 crime victims over the last six months, making it possib...

#1 Graffiti Tagger in Phoenix Receives Maximum Prison Sentence

(PHOENIX, AZ) December 1^st, 2010 – Joel Delgado (DOB 8/16/83) has been sentenced to one year in prison followed by four years of supervised probation for recklessly defacing and damaging property throughout the Phoenix metro area by inscribing on public a...

Maricopa County Attorney Establishes Self-Defense Review Committee

PHOENIX, AZ (November 30, 2010) - Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced the creation of a Self- Defense Review Committee to evaluate specific cases involving the unlawful discharge of firearms, the defensive display of a weapon, and inc...

Bill Montgomery Marks Anniversary of Victims’ Bill of Rights by Honoring Campaign Pledge

(PHOENIX, AZ) November 29, 2010 – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is commemorating the twentieth anniversary of Arizona’s Victims’ Bill of Rights today by reiterating his commitment to be a strong advocate for victims of crime and to support vigi...

Bill Montgomery Sworn in as Maricopa County Attorney

(PHOENIX, AZ) November 22, 2010 – Bill Montgomery was formally sworn in as Maricopa County Attorney this morning in a brief ceremony held in the Board of Supervisors Auditorium. Following the official canvass of the November 2^nd General Election results, ...