CONTACT INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
DOwNTOwN (000) 000-0000
000 X. Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx • Phoenix, AZ 85003
SOUTHEAST FACILITY (000) 000-0000
000 X. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 • Mesa, AZ 85210
JUVENILE DIVISION EASTSIDE OFFICE (000) 000-0000
000 X. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 • Mesa, AZ 85210
JUVENILE DIVISION WESTSIDE OFFICE (000) 000-0000
0000 X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx • Phoenix, AZ 85009
LUHRS BUILDING (000) 000-0000
00 X. Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx • Phoenix, AZ 85003
CIVIL SERVICES DIVISION (000) 000-0000
000 X. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 • Phoenix, AZ 85004
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
CHECK ENFORCEMENT (000) 000-0000
KIDS IN COURT PROGRAM (000) 000-0000
MEDIA RELATIONS (000) 000-0000
SPEAKERS BUREAU (000) 000-0000
ADOPTIONS (000) 000-0000
COMMUNITY ACTION BUREAU (000) 000-0000
VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION (000) 000-0000
VICTIM COMPENSATION BUREAU (000) 000-0000
HOTLINES
GRAFFITI (000) 000-0000
HATE CRIMES (000) 000-0000
ILLEGAL DUMPING (000) 000-0000
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is to deliver high-quality prosecution, comprehensive victims’ services, crime prevention programs and legal representation for County government on behalf of the people of Maricopa County, to provide a safe and well-governed community.
W
elcome to the 2011 Annual Report representing a brief look at our first full year in office. We have also included a number of items that reflect our
ongoing efforts to provide:
“SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY ENSURING JUSTICE FOR ALL”
There were two priorities I had in mind when arriving on my first full day in of- fice. One was the efforts to return the Civil Division to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO). A series of meetings were held with the Board of Supervisors (BOS) resulting in the significant repair of relations between the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) and the Board. My second priority was to improve relations with the Maricopa County Superior Court. The success of these efforts, including employees from all areas in the MCAO, contributed significantly to a renewed spirit of service for the citizens of Maricopa County.
The crime rate in Maricopa County continues to decrease. This is reflected in the review of office statistics. While these numbers don’t tell the complete story, we believe they are a direct result of the successful efforts of prosecutors working in partnership with Valley law enforcement agencies and the courts to hold violent xxxxx- nals and repeat offenders in prison for longer periods of time and thereby preventing them from committing new crimes.
Each year Victims’ Rights Week is an important event in the office. The week showcases the office’s commit- ment to protecting the rights of all victims and their families. Our ongoing support for victims’ rights is also reflected in our participation with the Clerk of the Court in the award-winning Victim Restitution Program. At no cost to the taxpayer, we assigned MCAO detectives to locate victims that were granted restitution but who are no longer at the address that they originally provided to the Court. Through the efforts of these detectives, more than 6,600 victims have been located and nearly $1 million has been disbursed to those victims of crime through the Clerk of the Court. Without the assistance of our detectives, those victims may have never received the restitution that was due to them.
Our shred-a-thons last year set new office records for the amount of documents that citizens throughout Maricopa County dropped off for safe disposal and destruction. Through the hard work of our volunteers and a rewarding partnership with Shred-It, the MCAO remains committed to helping citizens avoid being the victims of identity theft.
MCAO has sponsored other community events that have grown in popularity including Safe Kids Summer and Friday Night Football Patrol. As a result, thousands of high school students signed pledges promising they would remain drug and alcohol free. Families were provided important information about the dangers of drug abuse, including the alarming increase in the misuse of prescription drugs already legally in the home. MCAO distributed special ID kits which parents could take home to create a personal identity record for each of their children which could be used to assist law enforcement and medical personnel in case of an emergency situation.
I am proud to be part of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office as both an experienced prosecutor and its elected leader. We have some of the most talented prosecutors, paralegals, detectives and legal staff in the nation. We have come a long way in 2011. We will continue to deliver stellar prosecutorial work as well as our important service to the community in 2012.
Congratulations on a great year.
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Maricopa County Attorney
01Civil Services Division
02Speakers Bureau
03Community Efforts
07Veteran’s Court
08Legislative Action 2011
09Significant Cases
04Crime 12
Check Enforcement & Pretrial Division
05Victim Restitution Program
06Victims’ Rights Week
13 Adoption
14 Executive Biographies
TABLE OF CONTENTS
XXXX XXXXX
CIVIL SERVICES DIVISION CHIEF
Xxxx Xxxxx is the Civil Services Division Chief and also a Special Assistant to the County Attorney for Intergov-
ernmental Relations. Xxxx joined the office after practicing law in Colorado and finishing a 40-year career with Phoenix law firm, Xxxxx and Xxxx.
Civil Services Division
Shortly after Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx took office, he and the Board of Supervisors (XXX) began discussing the differences that had led to the 2009 split of civil representation within the County. Within four months, Xx. Xxxxxxxxxx and the BOS had formed an agreement for the restoration of the personnel and services to the MCAO. “The return of these civil functions to the County Attorney’s Office marks another major milestone in the cooperative relationship that has developed among government entities that previously were at odds. With these important duties restored, we can now begin a new chapter dedicated to providing a full range of expert legal services to the citizens and governmental entities of Maricopa County,” said Maricopa County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office welcomed back a newly organized Civil Services Division when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors officially transferred resources and responsibilities of the County’s Special Litigation and General Counsel Departments to the County Attorney’s Office in March 2011. The new Civil Ser- vices Division represents the interests of the citizens of Maricopa County by providing legal advice and litigation support to the various boards, agencies and officials of County government.
The Civil Services Division is organized around five Practice Group Areas: 1) Government/Advice which is led by Practice Group Leader Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx; 2) Human Resources led by Practice Group Leader Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx; 3) Land/Transactional led by Practice Group Leader Xxx Xxxxxxx; 4) Litigation led by Practice Group Leader Xxx Xxxxx; and 5) Tax led by Practice Group Leader Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx. The Civil Services Division has 42 attorneys, 18 paralegals and 23 support staff.
1
0
Speakers Bureau
The Speakers Bureau at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is a free public service that provides criminal justice experts to speak at elemen- tary schools, high schools, colleges, civic organizations and other business and professional associations throughout Maricopa County. Through this popular program, the MCAO helps educate citizens about current public policies, social issues and the latest crime trends. In 2011, the Speakers Bu- xxxx conducted more than 70 presentations to 4,400 senior citizens, parents, students and community members.
The most popular requests that come through the Speakers Bureau are for drug prevention presentations, most often held during Red Ribbon Week. This nationwide campaign, usually launched in the fall, brings millions of people together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse prevention. Red Ribbon Week also encourages the commu- nity to address violence prevention, early intervention and treatment servic- es. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States and the MCAO has always been a proud sup- xxxxxx. In fact, the MCAO actually refers to it as Red Ribbon Season be- cause requests for Red Ribbon support by local schools usually run all the way from September through December.
This year, in addition to our usual Red Ribbon activities, the office teamed up with Fox 10 Arizona for their popular morning segment, “Whirlybird Wednesdays.” Xxxx XxXxxxxxx, the well-known morning weather person- xxxxx, flew to Mountain View Elementary School in Waddell, Arizona and landed the helicopter on school grounds. Xxxx and Maricopa County At- xxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx met with students before school and conducted live spots sending a strong anti-drug message, “You Use, You Lose.” The MCAO provided students with red “You Use, You Lose” T-shirts to rein- force the event and offered parents and teachers a strong anti-drug message. Red Ribbon Week is the perfect time to talk to your kids about staying away from drugs and alcohol.
“We really appreciate having a speaker come talk to our kids about this important topic...” Cal T., Desert Horizon Elementary School
“...exciting speakers who are able to speak the same language as the kids in our audience.
Thank you!”
Xxxxx X., Altadena Middle School
“Thanks to the MCAO Speak- ers Bureau, our homeowners are more informed and aware of their surroundings.”
Xxxx X., Mountain Park Ranch Homeowners’ Association
“Red Ribbon Week was a com- plete success … the kids looked forward to the red T-shirts and seeing the helicopter all week!” Mrs. Tether, 4th grade teacher, Mountain View Elementary School
02
XXXXX XXXXXXX
OPERATIONS DIVISION CHIEF AND
LAW ENFORCEMENT LIAISON
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx has served the citizens of Maricopa County for more than 15 years. His experience as a prosecutor, attorney supervisor
and multi-agency law enforcement liaison provides him with the breadth of knowledge required as the current Operations Division Chief. He earned his X.X. from the University of Arizona and was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1992.
Xxxxx has served as a prosecutor for Pima County and the City of Phoenix and worked in
Vehicular Crimes and Gangs as a Deputy County Attorney. As Operations Division Chief, Xxxxx oversees the 11 specialty functions that report to the County Attorney, in addition to representing the office at all officer involved shootings and reviewing in-custody deaths.
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx serves as the Appeals Bureau Chief; Xxxxxxx Xxxxx is the Community Action Bureau Chief; Xxxxx Xxxx is the Communications Director and Xxxx Xxxxxx is the Training Bureau Chief.
Community Efforts
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is committed to making Maricopa County a great place to live, work and raise a family. We want our employees and neighbors to enjoy a high quality of life. Giving back to the community is a core value of the MCAO and our employees.
With this goal in mind, the office participates in and sponsors hundreds of events each year with more than 200 employees volunteering their time for the cause. For the second year in a row, MCAO volunteers participated in an area beautification project at the Tres Xxxx Wildlife area. Other volunteer projects included events such as the Phoenix Veterans Day parade and the Pets on Probation project which invites employees to walk homeless dogs around the downtown area to promote pet adoption.
Over the past year MCAO hosted 14 free community events. Community shred-a-thons were held throughout the County. More than 150 tons of personal documents were destroyed in an effort to protect our citizens from ID theft and fraud. MCAO also hosted two prescription drug drop-off events. Citizens were encouraged to drop off unused prescription drugs to a se- cure, monitored location knowing that the medications would be properly disposed of and therefore kept out of the wrong hands. In addition, MCAO co-hosted two Citizen Safety Forums. These free events brought community members together for classes on home safety, internet safety and personal safety and were attended by more than 200 people.
Three new programs launched by the office in 2011 were aimed at protecting and educating the youngest citizens of Maricopa County. Safe Kids Summer, Friday Night Football Patrol and High School Hoops were rolled out last year. These drug prevention and safety education programs touched more than 5,000 school-aged kids. Safe Kids Summer had MCAO vol- unteers at 16 public swimming pools over eight weeks, providing information on how to be safe while at home and while at school. Prizes were provided to children who could recite their parents’ telephone numbers and their home addresses. Friday Night Football Patrol and High School Hoops were programs which took place at local high schools on Friday nights dur- ing the school football and basketball games. Thousands of high school students participated by signing pledges promising they would remain drug and alcohol free. A variety of drug prevention information was available for the students and their families.
As has been a tradition for many years, the employees of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office participated in making the holiday season brighter for those less fortunate. This year the MCAO donated their time and gifts to Operation Homefront. This important local organization provides emergency financial assistance to the families of our military service members and wounded warriors. Through the purchase of casual day stickers, MCAO employees donated more than $5,000 to purchase toys for the families of our nation’s heroes.
03
Crime
Crime rates in Maricopa County have decreased. The MCAO continues to deliver high quality services and pro- grams to ensure a safe and well-governed community for the residents of Maricopa County.
2011
MCAO Selected Adult Filings | |
Offense Type | Defendants |
Agg. Assault | 2,414 |
Arson | 56 |
Burglary | 2,221 |
Child Molestation | 363 |
DUI | 2,661 |
Drug Related | 15,243 |
Homicide | 290 |
Robbery | 995 |
Sexual Assault | 117 |
Theft | 748 |
Vehicular Theft | 660 |
Total | 25,768 |
50,000
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
Maricopa County Adult Felony Filings
43,448 40,814 41,430
37,204
31,765
0 FY07
FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11
2011 vs. 2010 Maricopa County
• Violent crimes decreased 5% in 2011 from 2010.
• Vehicle thefts decreased 2% in 2011 from 2010.
Identity theft and fraud continue to decline in Maricopa County
In 2011, identity theft continued to decline in Maricopa County.
• The MCAO sponsored 14 shred-a-thons in 2011 helping Maricopa County residents’ protect themselves against identity theft by destroying over 150 tons of personal documents.
• The MCAO Check Enforcement Program returned over one million dollars 04
to victims of check fraud in 2011.
Animal cruelty offenses declined by 41% between 2010 and 2011
XXXXX XXXXXX
INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION CHIEF
Investigations Division Chief Xxxxx Xxxxxx began her career more than 25 years ago as a narcotics officer with
the Flagstaff Police Department. She then held several positions with the Peoria (AZ) Police Department, ending as the Deputy Police Chief. She joined the MCAO in 2008 and became the Investigations Division Chief in 2012. She oversees a staff of more than 50 detectives, aides, subpoena servers and support staff within five bureaus. Lt. Xxxx
Xxxxxx leads the Administration Bureau; Lt. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx leads the Major Crimes Bureau; Lt. Xxx Xxxxxx leads Special Investigations and Lt. Xxxx Xxxxxx leads the Support Services Bureau.
Victim Restitution Program
In early 2010, the Clerk of the Superior Court and the MCAO teamed up to create the Crime Victim Restitution Project. The project was designed to locate those “hard-to-find” victims of crimes who are due restitution. These are funds paid by defendants based on court-ordered restitution to the victims. The Clerk identifies those victims the court has been unable to locate and forwards the information to MCAO investigators. These investigators vol- unteer for the project and complete the research during non-duty hours. Utilizing MCAO criminal investigations databases, the Internet and old-fashioned “detective work,” the investigators make telephone calls and in-person visits to identify whether or not they have the correct victim. The victim signs an affidavit proving their identity and the restitution money due them is sent. As the project has grown, people who believe they are owed restitu- tion money can now contact the Clerk’s Office online or by telephone. Here they can also update their address and contact information making it easier for MCAO detectives to find them.
The Crime Victim Restitution Project continues to be very successful.
• In the first week of the program alone, MCAO investigators located 76 victims.
• To date, nearly $1 million in restitution has been returned to more than 2,200 victims.
• An additional 2,400 victims have been forwarded to the MCAO for assistance in locating.
• Because the investigative work done is all voluntary, this provides a tremendous savings to the court and the Maricopa County criminal justice system.
• The reported success rate of locating recipients of court-ordered victim restitution is 90%.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) awarded the MCAO and the Clerk of the Superior Court a 2011 NACo Achievement Award for its Crime Victims Restitution program. “This is an example of the cooperative, collaborative relationship our office is forging with other government agencies in service to the people of Maricopa County,” said Maricopa County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx. “The success of this program underscores the strong commitment of this office to honor and respect the rights of crime victims,” he added.
05
XXXX XXXXXX
VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION CHIEF
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Victim Services Division Chief, joined the MCAO in 2010 after a long and distinguished criminal
justice career. After serving as a police officer for more than 26 years, Xxxx was appointed Commissioner to the California Board of Prison Terms. An appointment by former President Xxxxxx X. Xxxx to the position of National Director of the Office for Victims of Crime followed. Today Xxxx oversees more than 70 advocates and support staff
in the MCAO Victim Services Division. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx is the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Child Advocacy Bureau; Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx is the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Criminal Trials Bureau; Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx-Xxxxxxx is the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Juvenile East Bureau; Xxxxxx Xxxxx is the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Juvenile West Bureau; Xxxxxx Xxxxx serves as the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Major Crimes I Bureau; Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx serves as the Advocate Bureau Chief of Major Crimes II; Xxxxx Xxxxx is the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Opera- tions Bureau and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx is the Advocate Bureau Chief of the Victim Compensation Bureau.
Victims’ Rights Week
The 30th Annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week observes victims’ rights and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. Each year the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office partners with the Arizona Governor’s Office, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Arizona Department of Corrections to host a luncheon on our Capitol’s lawn to highlight the important role of victims’ rights in the criminal justice system and pay tribute to Xxx- xxxxxx who have worked to ensure these rights are respected and up- held. The MCAO also held internal events including a victims’ rights awareness campaign for county employees, an ice cream social for the victim advocates and support staff at the MCAO, and an awards presentation to MCAO employees who provided extraordinary ser- vice on behalf of victims.
The theme of this year’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was ‘Reshaping the Future, Honor- 06 ing the Past.’ Speaking at the Capitol luncheon were Arizona Governor Xxx Xxxxxx, Attorney General Xxx Xxxxx, Maricopa County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, and Arizona Department of Corrections Director Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx.
Victims’ rights advocates and members of the state legislature and judiciary were also in attendance. Nine indi- viduals received special recognition and awards for their work on behalf of crime victims. Governor Xxxxxx also proclaimed April 10th – 16th, 2011 Arizona Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
In 1990, Arizona became one of the first states to add a Victims’ Bill of Rights to its constitution after voters over- whelmingly approved a ballot initiative launched by a coalition of victims’ rights organizations. “While we have made great strides, we still have a long way to go to fully uphold the rights of crime victims to justice and due pro- cess. I commend those leaders in our state who are committed to the cause of justice and fairness for their ongoing efforts to truly protect and honor these rights,” Maricopa County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx said.
XXXXXXX XXXX
TRIAL DIVISION CHIEF
Trial Division Chief Xxxxxxx Xxxx is a career pros- ecutor who began his service as a Deputy County Attorney at
the MCAO more than 27 years ago. After moving though the Burglary Unit, Gang ROP and Homicide plus a short stint at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, he became the MCAO Criminal Trials Division Chief in 2003. Xxxxxxx supervises more than 90 attorneys, support staff, interns and paralegals divided among five bureaus. His Bureau Chiefs include Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx (Bureau A), Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx (Bureau B), Xxx Xxxx (Bu- xxxx C), Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx (Bureau D) and Xxxxxxx Xxxxx (Probation Violation).
Veteran’s Court
Maricopa County Veterans’ Court is a new problem-solving court serving veterans who are currently on probation and who have absconded or veterans on supervision who are at risk of violating their probation terms. Representa- tives from the Courts, Adult Probation, mental health providers, the Veteran’s Administration and the County At- xxxxxx’x Office worked together to launch the court in order to provide treatment and services to veteran offenders suffering trauma such as divorce and drug and alcohol abuse. Without appropriate treatment these veterans are at an increased risk of harming themselves or others.
With the increase in veterans returning to Maricopa County, the courts have seen a growing number of offenders with service-related trauma often resulting in incarceration or suicide. The goal of the courts is to protect the com- munity while honoring veterans’ service and addressing circumstances unique to those who have given so much in defense of our country and our way of life. MCAO prosecutors collaborate with public defenders and members of the court to help veterans meet their legal obligations. Nearly 200 matters were processed through Veteran’s Court in the first weeks of operation.
07
Legislative Action 2011
“This was one of our more chal- lenging years at the Legislature
… but we were still able to suc- cessfully champion several good pieces of legislation,”
MCAO Legislative Liaison Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
“These new laws will protect the citizens of Maricopa County and hold the right people account- able.”
MCAO Legislative Liaison Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
While the 2011 legislative session was primarily focused on the state budget shortfall, several significant pieces of criminal justice legislation were passed and signed into law.
Maricopa County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx hailed the passage of two pieces of legislation that strengthened existing laws against people who sexually exploit children. House Bill (HB) 2438, sponsored by State Representative Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, extended the felony classification for sexual conduct with a minor to apply to those who were, but are no longer, the minor’s parent, guardian, teacher or clergyman. HB 2411, sponsored by State Representative Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, mandates “pimps” who commit the crime of child prostitution with minors who are 15, 16 or 17 years of age, and “xxxxx” who engage in child prostitution with minors who they know are 15, 16 or 17 years of age receive a sentence consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
“Thanks to the commitment of Representative Montenegro and Representative Xxxxxxxxxx, my office now has additional tools to protect the citizens of Maricopa County from criminals who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community,” remarked Maricopa County
Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx. “These two measures will help prevent specific types of child predators from escaping full accountability for their criminal conduct, including teachers and others in a position of authority who seek to “groom” an underage victim for a future sexual encounter, and adults engaged in offering or soliciting older chil- dren for prostitution,” he added.
Prior to the passage of HB 2438, punishment of teachers convicted of sexual conduct with a minor was restricted by whether the sexual encounter occurred within the dates of the school calendar. This restriction effectively allowed predators to begin “grooming” their victims during the school year and then wait until the school year was over to steal a child’s innocence and trust.
Legislation that substantially toughened penalties for organiz- ers of major human smuggling rings was also passed. HB 2405, sponsored by State Representative Xxx Xxxx modified existing human smuggling statutes to allow prosecutors to effectively target operators of multiple “drop houses” and secure greater prison time and fines for defendants in cases where multiple acts of human smuggling can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
“With this legislation, we can now effectively target and hold accountable the human smuggling kingpins who ac- count for the majority of drop houses and related crime that threatens the safety of entire neighborhoods,” said County Attorney Montgomery.
08
Significant Cases
XXXX XXXXXXXX
MAJOR CRIMES I DIVISION CHIEF
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx started his prosecution career with the City of Phoenix 30 years ago and joined the Maricopa
County Attorney’s Office in the Vehicular Crimes Bureau in 1989. While at the MCAO Xxxx has also served as Chief of Training, Preliminary Hearings, Trial Bureau, Juvenile Crimes and Criminal Trials. As the Major Crimes I Division Chief, Xxxx oversees seven specialty bureaus. Xxxxx Xxxx serves as Asset Forfeiture Bureau Chief; Xxxxxxx Xxx- ver is the Drug Enforcement Bureau Chief; Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx is the Gangs Bureau Chief;
Xxx Xxxxxx serves as the Homicide Bureau Chief; Xxxxx Xxxx is the ROP Bureau Chief; Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx is the Spe- cial Crimes Bureau Chief and Xxxxx Xxxxxx is the Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief.
State x. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Deputy County Attorneys Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxx, Homicide Bureau
On March 6, 2007, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxx went to the Typhoon Car Wash at 43rd Avenue and Northern to sell a small amount of cocaine to Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx. The parties did not know each other. Prior to the sale, Xxxxxxxxx enlisted Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx to steal the cocaine at gunpoint from Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx and make it appear as if Xxxxxxx was also stealing the drugs from Xxxxxxxxx. When Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx arrived at the car wash, Xxxxxxx approached their vehicle with an assault rifle. Instead of stealing the drugs, he fired four shots into the cab and killed both men. Xxxxxxx was sentenced to life in prison and is not eligible for parole. After two hung juries and a mistrial, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx pled guilty to two counts of manslaughter
and was sentenced to two concurrent prison terms of 15 years, 9 months.
State x. Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Deputy County Attorneys Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Homicide Bureau
09 It took a jury less than three hours to reach guilty verdicts in the trial of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, accused of murdering five family members in Mesa in an apparent effort to eliminate witnesses to an earlier act of arson he committed with the help of one of the victims. Xxxxxx was ac- cused of the February 2006 shooting of Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 32, Xxxxxx Xxxxx, 30, Xxxxx’x brother Xxxxx, 18, and Xxxxx Xxxxxx’x two children, ages 10 and 15. Xxxxxx was found guilty on five counts of first degree murder, one count of first degree burglary and one count of tampering with physical evidence. The jury also found him guilty on four counts of solicitation of first degree murder related to his unsuccessful efforts to hire four different assassins to kill the fam-
ily members. Xxxxxx had previously pled guilty to arson for deliberately setting fire to his Scottsdale home with the help of Xxxxxx Xxxxx in an attempt to collect insurance funds. Homicide attorneys Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxx prosecuted Xxxxxx and he was ultimately sentenced to death on all five counts of first degree murder.
State v. Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Significant Cases cont.
Deputy County Attorneys Xxxxxxx Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Homicide Bureau
After seven days of deliberations, a Maricopa County jury found Xxxx Xxxxxxx guilty on 67 felony charges including nine counts of first degree murder in connection with a year-long crime spree that involved multiple kidnappings, armed robberies and violent assaults. He was found not guilty on one count of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery and one count of kidnapping. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on one count of sexual abuse. On January 16, 2007, Xxxx Xxxxxxx was indicted for 74 felony offenses, including nine homi- cides, numerous sexual crimes against adult and juvenile females, multiple aggravated assaults and twelve armed robberies. The alleged crimes involved 33 victims in 13 separate attacks
in the Phoenix metropolitan area between August 6, 2005 and June 29, 2006. All nine homicides were charged as first degree murder and homicide attorneys Xxxxxxx Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx successfully prosecuted the case. In 2011, a Maricopa County jury sentenced Xxxxxxx to death.
XXXXX XXXXXXXX
MAJOR CRIMES II DIVISION CHIEF
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx has been with the Maricopa Coun- ty Attorney’s Office for nearly 25 years, serving as Deputy
County Attorney and currently Chief of the Major Crimes II Division. Here Xxxxx oversees nearly 100 attorneys, support staff and paralegals in four bureaus. Xxxxx Xxxx serves as Auto Theft Bureau Chief; Xxxxxxx XxXxxxx is the Fraud and Identity Theft Bureau Chief; Xxxxxx Xxxxx serves as Family Violence Bureau Chief and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx is the Sex Crimes Bureau Chief.
State v. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Deputy County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Family Violence Bureau
In June 2009, paramedics and police were called to a Chandler home shared by Xxxxxxx and 10
his girlfriend Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx and found Baby Xxxxxx cold and unresponsive. Initially, Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxx lied to responders about the circumstances of Xxxxxx’s injury, claiming the child had fallen. Two hours later, under questioning, Xxxxxxx admitted that he had become frustrated with Xxxxxx’s crying and slammed her head onto a concrete floor, adding that he did not call for medical help until hours after the incident. Xxxxxx was subsequently found to have a dis- placed skull fracture and brain swelling. She died twelve days later from a large subdural brain hemorrhage.
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx was charged with one class two felony count of child abuse, which was later dismissed after the Court ruled her incompetent to stand trial and not restorable. Deputy County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx prosecuted and Judge Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx sentenced Xxxxxxx to 25 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. He will re- main on lifetime probation following his release from prison, which will not be until 2034.
State v. Xxxxx Xxxxx
Significant Cases cont.
Deputy County Attorney Xxxxx Xxxx, Sex Crimes Bureau
Xxxxx Xxxxx was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences to be followed by an additional
102.5 years in prison after abusing his 8-year-old granddaughter. The Buckeye Police Depart- ment investigation found Xxxxx had been touching his 8-year-old granddaughter while living in the same home.
The 8 year old disclosed what was happening to a family friend. When the victim’s mother learned of the situation she took the 8 year old to the Buckeye Police Department. In a subse- quent forensic interview the child disclosed the defendant had performed a variety of sexual
acts on her. Xxxxx was convicted following a 5-day trial on 18 of 19 counts including multiple counts of sexual con- duct with a minor, molestation of a child, kidnapping, sexual abuse, indecent exposure and public sexual indecency.
State v. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Deputy County Attorneys Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Trial Bureau B
His spray-painted moniker, “MAWD,” defaced at least 300 structures throughout the Phoenix metro area, making Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx the city’s #1 graffiti vandal -- and earning him a two-and- a-half year prison sentence. Xxxxxxx has also been ordered to perform 300 hours of community service and make financial restitution to more than 75 victims whose property was damaged by his acts of graffiti. Xxxxxxx was arrested after he was observed defacing a pole near 2700
W. Glenrosa Avenue in Phoenix. At the time, he was also wanted by Glendale Police for open burglary charges. During interviews with Glendale and Phoenix Police Detectives, Xxxxxxx confessed to over 300 acts of graffiti. He was charged with one class 4 felony count of aggra-
vated criminal damage and one class 5 aggregated count of criminal damage for numerous graffiti crimes. Xxxxxxx eventually agreed to plead guilty to both of the criminal damage counts as charged, stipulating to the maximum aggravated sentence of two-and-a-half years in prison in addition to community service and restitution. Following his release from prison, Xxxxxxx will be on supervised probation for three years.
11
XXXX X
XXXXXX
C
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION CHIEF
Xxxx XxXxxxxx, Administrative Services Divi- sion Chief oversees support services at the MCAO includ-
ing the Check Enforcement Bureau, Information Technology, Couriers, Facilities Management, Finance, Payroll and the Records Department. Xxxx served as executive director at two large Phoenix law firms before joining the MCAO in 2010. He also enjoyed a long administrative career with the Arizona Supreme Court. Xxxx Xxxx is the Director of Information Technology; Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx is the Administration
Bureau Chief; Xxxxxxx Xxxx serves as Check Enforcement Business Manager; Xxx Xxxxxx is the General Services Manager; Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx is the Human Resources Manager; Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx is the Records Supervisor and Xxxxx Xxxxxx is the Closeout Bureau Supervisor.
Check Enforcement
The MCAO Check Enforcement Program is on track for a 20% increase in restitution recovered this year and the number of checks submitted to the office has increased 13% this past year alone. Area businesses are using the program regularly after multiple unsuccessful attempts to collect “bad checks” on their own. Xxxxxxx’x Bike Works submitted a non-sufficient funds check to our program and two months later the full amount of the payment was received. Xxxxxxx’x was ecstatic that the Check Enforcement Program was able to recover the funds owed to them
– and at no cost.
XXX XXXX
PRETRIAL DIVISION CHIEF
Xxx Xxxx is the Pretrial Division Chief, overseeing more than 100 attorneys, support staff and paralegals in our
Charging, Diversion, Grand Jury, Preliminary Hearings and Southeast Bu- reaus. Having spent 16 years with the MCAO, Xxx previously served as Bureau Chief and
has led the Pretrial Division since 2010. Bureau Chiefs in the Pretrial Division include 12
Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx; Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Preliminary Hearings A; Suri Reddy, Preliminary Hearings B and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Southeast Pretrial.
Pretrial Division
The MCAO continues to provide high-quality, cost-effective diversion programs to eligible offenders. The major- ity of these Diversion programs are coordinated in the Pretrial Division. More than 2,100 first-time possessors of controlled substances completed the TASC diversion program last year. Among the successful completions of TASC last year is Xxxxxx X.; originally arrested for possession of methamphetamines. When she began the TASC program she had been a daily meth smoker for six years and was in an abusive relationship. When Xxxxxx was in- formed that she was going to be terminated from TASC, she agreed to enter a detox program. She then entered an intensive outpatient counseling program and moved into a halfway house. She stayed clean. Xxxxxx soon obtained employment and her own apartment, culminating in a successful completion of the TASC diversion program.
XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
JUVENILE CRIMES DIVISION CHIEF
As the Chief of our Juvenile Division, Xxxxxxx Xxx- shall supervises a staff of nearly 50 attorneys, paralegals and
support employees. Xxxxxxx’s 26 years with the office began as an intern and has included time spent as Bureau Chief and Major Crimes Division Chief. As Juvenile Division Chief, Xxxxxxx oversees four juvenile crimes bureaus and the MCAO Adoption Bureau. Bureau Chiefs in the MCAO Juvenile Division include Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, East Bureau A; Xxx Xxxxxxxx, East Bureau B; Xxxxx Xxxxxx, West Bureau A and Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, West Bureau B.
Adoption
The MCAO handles hundreds of uncontested adoptions each year. These children come from all walks of life, many countries and all sizes and ages. The team in the MCAO Adoptions Bureau has assisted many wonderful families who have undertaken enormous challenges by adopting children that others may have overlooked. Re- cently the Bureau worked with two different families who were adopting a total of five siblings (four girls and one boy), whose mother had given them up and whose father is incarcerated. Because of the dedication and expertise in the Bureau, the children are able to remain together.
13
Service with Integrity – Ensuring Justice For All
XXXX X. XXXXX
CHIEF DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY
Xxxx Xxxxx has 30 years of criminal justice and public policy experience, most recently serving as Chief
or 5 years.
Deputy County Attorney under County Attorney Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx. Xxxx began his career in public service in 1980 when he graduated from the police academy and became a law enforcement officer for the City of Tucson. He then earned his X.X. from the University of Arizona and went on to serve as Deputy Pima County Attorney f
He has served as a public policy consultant, as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with a small prosecutors office and as a senior police administrator for four years prior to coming to the MCAO. He joined the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 1999 and has served as Deputy County Attorney, Special Assistant and Special Coun- sel. As Chief Deputy County Attorney, Xxxx is responsible for the overall direction and management of the office, including the administration and operations of more than 300 prosecutors and 600 professional support staff.
Xxxx resides in the northeast valley with his wife and their daughter.
XXXX XXXXXXXXXX
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Elected Maricopa County Attorney in Novem- ber 2010, Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx brings a wealth of experi-
ence and time-tested leadership to the citizens of Maricopa County. He has dedicated his personal and professional life to serving others, as a West Point Graduate, Gulf War Veteran, professional prosecutor and Deputy County Attorney. Xxxx served with honor and distinction in the first Gulf War, receiving a Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Later Xxxx earned his law degree from ASU. He then went to work at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, ris- 14 ing through the ranks to become a Bureau Chief of the Auto Theft Bureau where he helped oversee a reported 35% drop in auto thefts in Maricopa County. As a prosecutor, he is known for garnering tough sentences and ensuring justice. He also has a true passion for protecting Arizonans and acting as an advocate for victims’ rights. He is actively involved in the Arizona Voice for Crime Victims organization and has contributed to written legislation designed to protect victims of crime and reform Child Protective Services. In late 2011, Arizona Governor Xxx Xxxxxx appointed Xxxx to head the Arizona Child Safety Task Force.
Xxxx has also served as an elected Precinct Committeeman and was the Republican Nominee for Arizona Attorney General in 2006. Following that election, Xxxx served as General Counsel for the Maricopa County Republican Committee until 2008. He believes strongly that all of us can serve our communities, and that you don’t have to hold elective office to make a difference. Xxxx is proud to support many groups and organizations including: the American Legion, West Point Society of Phoenix, the Service Academy Alumni Association of Phoenix, the Na- tional Rifle Association and the Knights of Columbus.
Xxxx lives in the east valley with his wife and their two children.