Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Seal
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Justice for All
September 2018
Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery

We just wrapped up our 2018 “Don’t Leave Me Behind” vehicular heatstroke campaign, and thanks to the diligence of Maricopa County residents, we reached our goal of ZERO deaths of children left in hot cars this summer! As we all know, though, the heat will continue for another couple of months, so please remain aware of this danger for kids and pets. With plenty of time left for enjoying your swimming pool this year, watch your kids around water, too, please.
 
Looking forward, the fall months bring this Office even more opportunities to engage with the community. We’re now well into our Friday Night Football Patrol Program with just under 5,000 students signing a pledge to stay drug and alcohol free; and that’s with only the first three schools we’re visiting this year. We’ll also be out this month at schools in support of Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness activities, talking with kids about the anti-bullying messages they want to share.
 
I’m also pleased to give you a glimpse into our Crime Analysis team and how they work with our Community Based Prosecution Bureaus to address the most significant public safety threats in our community. This partnership is achieving real results and we have a great example of a successful case to share.
 
We hope to see you out at one of our community events this month.

Bill Montgomery Signature

Intelligence Focused Prosecution at the MCAO

Crime analysis is not evidence collection or forensic analysis and contrary to what you see on television, crime analysis is not CSI. Crime analysis units exist at most police agencies and now here too at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The new MCAO Crime Strategies Group pulls together detectives, paralegals, prosecutors and analysts who use technology and information sharing to identify crime trends and patterns. The information is categorized and analyzed and the material related to offenses and offenders is communicated to prosecutors so that criminals can be prosecuted and illegal activity can be stopped as soon as possible. This Intelligence Focused Prosecution (IFP) model, one of only a few in prosecutor’s offices across the U.S., focuses the resources of the MCAO Crime Strategies Group to help provide a safe and well-governed community by identifying and reducing crime. Crime and intel analysts identify priority offenders most responsible for driving crime and help prosecutors hold them accountable. Analysts work directly with law enforcement and the community to achieve successful results.
 
IFP builds, refines and performs offender-driven work in many strategic and tactical ways. 13 members make up the current MCAO Crime Strategies Group, including crime and intel analysts, one paralegal, an information systems analyst and a drug intel analyst. They have access to a robust group of tools and information in order to have a unique impact on crime. It is important for them to be able to identify the problem, analyze the data, respond and then assess and process the results.

Hot spot strategies are employed in addition to regular arrest reports and briefings, crime alerts and status updates on important community events. Officers at local law enforcement agencies also need to share their data and information to help make this effort work—and the IFP model is based on teams and group sharing. Geographically assigned prosecutors familiarize themselves with the community drivers in their assigned area and work with police and the assigned crime analysts to best address the problems and offenders.

MCAO’s goal is to “get ahead of the crime curve” and impact threats to the community through effective and meaningful prosecution. “If we are able to use our crime analysis skills and expertise wisely and in the best way, then we are successfully identifying the offenders posing the most significant threats and as a result helping to enhance public safety,” said Micah Gaudet, Director of MCAO Crime Strategies. ”Our goal is to have a lasting impact – one that goes beyond the sentence and disposition of a particular case. It’s not just about case files, it’s about the broader impact of these people and events within the community.”
 
Analysts conduct research using criminal histories, social media, open sources and plain old gumshoe detective work which often means picking up the phone and calling a detective or analyst in the city next door. The information gleaned from these sources is confirmed and vetted, and when compiled into reports, helps provide prosecutors with the rest of the story. These partnerships often result in success stories between MCAO crime analysts, prosecutors and law enforcement, much like a recent case in the West Valley that you can read more about in the following article. Looking forward, IFP will continue to create assessments based on crime data and law enforcement information to identify areas of emphasis. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery knows the IFP model will allow the Office to reduce crime, enhance public safety and ensure protection to victims, “We will continue to evolve as a strategic focused organization. This IFP approach allows us to get the most effective and meaningful response for public safety. Our crime analysts are the best of the best and their expertise gives our prosecutors focused information to help make the most important decisions.”

MCAO Crime Strategies Group Meeting
MCAO Crime Strategies Group

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

MUGSHOT: Albert De La Torre

Recently, Albert De La Torre (D.O.B. 01/26/1978) was charged with four counts of 3rd degree burglary and one count of attempted 3rd degree burglary in connection with a series of ATM burglaries across the West Valley.
 
“Communication between agencies was the key to linking this defendant to more than just one criminal act and holding him responsible for his series of crimes,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Using our Community Based Prosecution model to share information, prosecutors were able to work with investigators and analysts to identify the defendant as the suspect in multiple cases and show a judge why the defendant should be kept in custody.”
 
Between June 22 and June 29, ATM kiosks were removed from their location in three different areas of the West Valley. Law enforcement in each area started their investigations independently of one another using different pieces of evidence to identify Albert De La Torre as a possible burglary suspect. De La Torre was arrested on July 30, 2018 in an unrelated case that is still under investigation. When De La Torre first went before a judge, he was originally facing charges in just one case and De La Torre’s release conditions did not include a bond.
 
However, before De La Torre could actually be released, a detective investigating one of the ATM burglaries alerted the prosecutor of the additional crimes De La Torre was being investigated for by his police department. Through the prosecutor’s partnerships with other West Valley law enforcement agencies, they learned the defendant was a suspect in investigations by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Peoria Police Department and the Surprise Police Department for similar crimes in their jurisdictions as well.
 
The Community Based Prosecution model assigns teams of prosecutors to one of eight geographically assigned areas in the County and allows prosecutors to develop close working relationships with law enforcement and community partners in their assigned area. In this case, MCAO’s Crime Analysts worked with the West Valley Community Based Prosecution Bureau to put together more information than was originally presented to the court. De La Torre was seen by another judicial officer and, based on the information gathered from the police, prosecutor, and analyst, the court imposed a bond of $25,000. He remains in custody and as detectives continue to investigate with a possibility of more charges being filed
.



MCAO Receives Three National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards

NACo Award Winner Court Advocate Program
NACo Award Winner Court Advocate Program

The MCAO Court Advocate Program provides victim advocate assistance to unattended victims who attend hearings in Maricopa County Superior, Juvenile and Justice Courts.

Back Row: County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County Manager Joy Rich, MCAO Grants Administrator Gretchen McClellan
Front Row: MCAO Criminal Deputy Chief Mike McVey, MCAO Advocates Jen Heisig, Raymond Lopez, Carrie Howe, Tim Siegel, Jill Greene, Susie Checkett, intern Alexandra Boyles, Lori Rabot, MCAO Chief Deputy Mark Faull
NACo Award Winner Operation Safe Treat
NACo Award Winner Operation Safe Treat

Operation Safe Treat is a partnership between the MCAO, US Marshal’s Office, several local police departments and the Maricopa County Probation Department which sends teams of officers out to the community in the weeks leading up to and on Halloween checking on registered sex offenders to ensure they are following the rules.

Back Row: County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County Manager Joy Rich, MCAO Detective John Crowe
Front Row: MCAO Major Offenders Division Chief Jon Eliason, MCAO Criminal Deputy Chief Mike McVey, MCAO Special Victims Division Chief Rachel Mitchell, Terry Pederson, Nancy Soyka, Jerry Fenton, MCAO Chief Deputy Mark Faull
NACo Award Winner Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life
NACo Award Winner Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life

Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Live was created as a series of resource nights held at local schools targeted to inform teachers and parents about teen suicide and bullying. The resource nights are coupled with student-led discussions and action plans, culminating in an annual day-long empowerment expo to educate students and adults about being involved and speaking up.

Back Row: County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County Manager Joy Rich, MCAO Community Affairs Coordinator Faith Ritchie
Front Row: MCAO Criminal Deputy Chief Mike McVey, MCAO Communications Officer Amanda Steele, Juvenile Division Chief Beth Beringhaus, Community Based Prosecution West Bureau Chief Gina Godbehere, Jennifer Rogers, co-founder of Speak Up, Tanya Rouintan, MCAO Chief Deputy Mark Faull

It’s Never Too Late to Learn…
Safety on College Campuses

Crowd on College Campus

This month thousands of families sent their students off to the halls of higher learning at one of the more than 50 four-year universities, two-year colleges, tribal institutions, private and for-profit colleges and universities in Maricopa County. Heading to college is an exciting time for students; new social circles, new housing and new friends. At the same time freshman students are finding their way around dorms and lecture halls, criminals are appearing on campus often taking advantage of these same unsuspecting undergraduates. Personal safety and security on campus are concerns for students and parents, but armed with the right information and common sense, students can achieve summa cum laude in crime prevention.
 
Sexual assaults on college campuses are a major concern and in addition to burglary and identity theft are among the most reported crimes on campuses according to the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. There were nearly 3,300 sexual assaults reported in Arizona last year which accounted for nearly 11% of violent crimes reported in the state. Sexual assaults can begin with sexual harassment which can occur in class, college clubs and activities and in sororities and fraternities.

Stalking is repeated and often unwanted attention that causes a person to feel unsafe. This is often done through following people, watching or waiting for them, incessant texting, calling or emailing, social media messages and unwanted gifts. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the majority of stalking victims in the U.S. are between 18 and 24 years old.

For college students, the most common types of sexual assault can happen when victims and perpetrators are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Often the victim is unable to know what is happening and cannot give proper consent.
 
There were more than 36,000 burglaries reported in Arizona last year with 40% occurring between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Students may believe their dorm rooms are protected because the main entrance is secure so they don’t lock their belongings or their individual room doors. Burglaries and other property crimes like theft, shoplifting and vandalism are frequent campus occurrences. Criminals won’t think twice about helping themselves to unattended laptops and designer backpacks or even taking campus identification badges and textbooks.
 
Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery reminds students and their parents to be vigilant, “Safety on campuses and prompt reporting of crimes, especially sexual assault, is important. Victims should immediately identify services available to them, either on campus or through my Office. The MCAO works together with campus police to provide justice and bring these types of offenders to justice.

 
Crime Prevention Tips for College Students:

  • Consider taking a self-defense course. Many campuses offer these as a regular part of the curriculum.
  • Check in regularly with family and friends, especially if you are headed out of town with roommates or taking a solo weekend trip. If your schedule will be different than your usual routine, let someone know.
  • Use your campus escort service to get back and forth on campus at night. Don’t walk alone at night.
  • Carry pepper spray, a small flashlight or even a whistle in your bag.
  • Pay attention to your social media settings. Make sure you know and trust your friends on various social media platforms and never give too much away.
  • Lock your room doors, when you leave and when you go to sleep.
  • Be careful when walking on campus with headphones or walking while checking your phone. Criminals can immediately recognize these crimes of opportunity to surprise and victimize you.
  • Don’t stay at parties when friends leave. Keep someone with you and make sure you depart with the same pairs or groups of people with whom you arrived.
  • Never leave valuable items alone, even for a minute.

Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Barbara Marshall receives 2018 APAAC Lifetime Achievement in Prosecution Award
Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Barbara Marshall, presented with the 2018 APAAC Lifetime Achievement in Prosecution Award by Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and APAAC Executive Director Elizabeth Ortiz, at the 2018 APAAC Annual Prosecutor Conference. June 21, 2018 — Phoenix, Arizona

Friday Night Football Patrol
Underway and Going Strong

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office and 104.7 KISS FM present Friday Fight Football Patrol 2018

MCAO staff volunteers kicked off the 2018 high school football season on August 17 at Maryvale High School in Phoenix. The MHS Panthers showed up strong with 1,164 students signing the pledge to be drug and alcohol free.
 
Our team next went to McClintock High School, where the Chargers stepped up their game with 784 pledges signed.
 
We ended the month of August at Valley Vista in Surprise. The Monsoons broke an all-time record with 100 percent participation at 2,743 pledges signed. Their true victory was that the entire football team, cheerleaders and student council—at least 100 students—volunteered to help their peers pledge to be drug and alcohol free.
 
Stay tuned for more as we visit seven more schools throughout the County this football season.
 
A complete list can be found in the Community Calendar in this issue.

Images from Friday Night Football Patrol 2018

Two Key Annual Reports Now Available

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has two recently released reports available on our website: MaricopaCountyAttorney.org/AR

The 2017-2018 Deferred Prosecution Report describes MCAO diversion programs currently in place in order to provide expanded prosecutorial options.  In addition to annual statistics, the report provides information on drug diversion, justice court diversion and child abuse diversion options.   Also available is the 2018 Annual Activity Report on the Multidisciplinary Protocol for the Investigation of Child Abuse.  This annual activity report presents information on the number of cases submitted for prosecution in various offense categories in addition to accomplishments by the MCAO last year related to child abuse diversion, sex assault kits and our annual vehicular heatstroke awareness campaign.  Copies of both reports are now available for downloading.


Community Calendar

Upcoming Events Calendar

Friday Night Football Patrol

Friday, September 7
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Desert Vista High School
16440 South 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85048


Friday Night Football Patrol

Friday, September 14
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunnyslope High School
35 West Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85021

 

Friday Night Football Patrol

Friday, September 21
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Brophy High School
4701 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012

 

Friday Night Football Patrol

Friday, September 28
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Shadow Mountain High School
2902 East Shea Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85028

 

MCAO Shred-A-Thon

Saturday, September 29
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Moon Valley Country Club
151 West Moon Valley Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85023

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