Ten prosecutors in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Gang Bureau filed more than 2,200 gang-related criminal charges last year, ranging from aggravated assault to drive-by shootings and conspiracy, kidnapping and homicide. Gang offenses often include drugs, guns and graffiti and it is not uncommon for these cases to have uncooperative and scared victims and intimidated witnesses. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission tells us that gang activity was reported in nearly 70 percent of state-wide jurisdictions that responded to their last “Gang Threat Assessment” survey. Gangs in Arizona range from low-level offenders to sophisticated, organized units who often commit violent crimes. The Arizona Gang Investigator’s Association (AzGIA) is a group of criminal justice and law enforcement experts who came together more than ten years ago to work towards eradicating the negative impact gangs have on our communities. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, crime analysts and investigators across the state belong to AzGIA and each year they recognize the best of the best. Several committed MCAO prosecutors were honored in early June during the 11^th annual AzGIA Training Conference, co-sponsored by the MCAO, the Pima County Attorney’s Office, US Marshal’s Office, Arizona State Gang Task Force GIITEM and the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.
 
Deputy County Attorney Dan Fisher from the MCAO Gang Bureau was recognized as the AzGIA Gang Prosecutor of the Year. Dan is an experienced gang prosecutor who has been with the Office for six years and in the Gangs Bureau for half that time. His strong relationships with law enforcement have resulted in effective investigations and prosecutions. In addition to being assigned to the Safe Trails Task Force, which investigates and prosecutes crimes in Indian Country, this year Dan successfully prosecuted a member of the Mexican Mafia of attempted second degree murder. The dangerous defendant was sentenced to 21 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. “I am very honored to be in the company of the other award winners who are all not only at the top of their game in terms of prosecution, but also specifically within the realm of gang prosecutions,” said Dan. “I am also proud to be recognized by my peers within the Arizona Gang Investigator’s Association. The effort to combat gang influence and reduce gang violence in our community is a team effort and I am motivated to play my part.”
 
Two former MCAO Gang Bureau Deputy County Attorneys were also recognized by the AzGIA with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Ellen Dahl was one recipient and she has been with the MCAO for more than 15 years, prosecuting gang cases since day one. Her work has been responsible for getting some of the worst of the worst gang offenders off the street and incarcerated. “I am proud to work shoulder to shoulder with some of the most experienced detectives in our law enforcement community, said Ellen. “Gang investigations and trials provide some of the greatest challenges for prosecutors – scared victims, reluctant witnesses, and some of the most dangerous and prolific criminals. It was an honor to receive this award from AZGIA and I look forward to continuing to prosecute gang members and gang related crimes.”
 
Deputy County Attorney April Sponsel also received an AzGIA Lifetime Achievement Award. April has been with the MCAO for more than 15 years and spent more than half that time in the Gang Bureau. Her prosecution work has included successful verdicts against documented gang members, dangerous motorcycle gangs and the Mexican Mafia. “I am humbled by the award and thank the true heroes for recognizing me – these are the hardworking officers and detectives who deal with gang members face to face. Without them, our job would not be possible and they are the ones deserving of the recognition in the end.”
 
Deputy County Attorney Shannon Struble, also in the MCAO Gang Bureau, was nominated for the Gang Prosecutor of the Year. In three short years with the Office, Shannon’s work ethic and professional skills have not gone unnoticed. Not only has she completed multiple gang-related trials in the past year, she has also continued to build relationships with law enforcement by participating with gang units and completing ride-a-longs with the units.
 
“These awards recognize the never-ending professionalism and tireless dedication of our Gang Bureau prosecutors,” said Michael McVey, Deputy Chief of the MCAO Criminal Group. “They are devoted to the safety and well-being of our community.” 

County Attorney Bill Montgomery agrees, “I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Gang Bureau. Every day they come to work focused on making our communities safe by combating gang violence. Behind each of these awards stands a number of other professionals who support our prosecutors in and out of court. It truly is a team effort." 

DNA can be used to identify offenders with incredible precision when such evidence exists. When used to its full potential, DNA evidence can help solve cold cases and identify criminals associated with serious and violent crimes. The international DNA Hit of the Year is a global recognition program, sponsored by Gordon Thomas Honeywell, designed to recognize the value of this kind of DNA database technology to solve and prevent crime. Through the evaluation of DNA database hit cases, the DNA Hit of the Year is intended to bring recognition to the databases so crime victims receive the justice they deserve. The award also recognizes the extraordinary dedication and hard work of DNA scientists, criminal investigators and prosecutors who use DNA databases to bring justice to crime victims. This year’s nominees included more than 60 submissions from around the world; including from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Cold Case Bureau. The MCAO nomination of the Brian Patrick Miller case, was recognized as a Top Ten finalist and was included in the Annual Awards presentation in May in London. MCAO’s nomination will also be featured multiple times during the next year at several related international forensic and police conferences. The Brian Patrick Miller case involved a string of gruesome murders along the Arizona Canal in northwest Phoenix in the early 1990s. In early 2015, Miller’s DNA was found to match to the DNA profile developed from the victims using forensic genealogy. To read more about the DNA Hit of the Year, including case summaries of the Top Ten finalists and this year’s winner, visit:

Last month, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office hosted a Citizens Academy just for those in the field of education.
 
Though we hold a Citizens Academy session most months of the year, they are typically not held in the summer. By holding this class after the end of the school year, teachers were able to attend.
 
Participants were given a first-hand look at how the County Attorney’s Office operates and an overview of the criminal justice system in the County, first-hand information they can share with their students and colleagues.
 
The class toured the Superior Court and saw a drug court hearing and a criminal trial in person. They toured the 4^th Avenue Jail to see the intake process from booking to Initial Appearance Court. MCAO’s Forensic Exhibits team gave a presentation on what kind of trial exhibits they create and the amazing skill and technology they use to prepare them.
 
A Deputy County Attorney from MCAO’s Juvenile Division was on hand to teach the group about the juvenile justice system—what is unique from the adult system—and trends in juvenile crime such as gun violations, gangs and bullying.
 
County Attorney Bill Montgomery ended the day with a question and answer session, giving the class an opportunity to talk with him directly about the issues kids face and how we can all work together to educate and support them to avoid becoming a victim of crime and to make positive choices in their own lives, maybe even pursuing a career in criminal justice.
 

For more information about the MCAO Citizens Academy and to apply visit:

MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/Academy